F1-EL2: Hamilton ahead of Red Bull in Hungary

After a hectic session this morning, including the accident suffered by the Mexican Sergio Pérez (Force India), the second free practice session at the Hungaroring in Budapest experienced fewer twists and turns.

On the timing side, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) was once again the fastest by setting a best lap in 1'23 "949, with the soft tires, and beat both Red Bull RB11 of Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo who could be ones to watch this weekend. The Russian is just over three tenths behind the benchmark established by the reigning World Champion, while the Australian falls short of half a second.

The title holder in Hungary also stood out by causing a red flag after probably experienced engine failure on his car. Ricciardo, however, clarified that he was using an old engine block. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) ranks fourth, seven tenths ahead of first Ferrari by Kimi Räikkönen. Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso) climbs into sixth position ahead Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), the McLaren de Fernando Alonso and both Williams de Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa.

After their shortened morning session due to late payment on Pirelli tires, two Lotuses Romain Grosjean, who had given way to Jolyon Palmer this morning, and Pastor Maldonado were able to progress normally in EL2, setting the 13th and 15th times. No trace, however, of Force India VJM08 this afternoon, Vijay Mallya's team having announced before the green light at 14 p.m. thatshe would not put her single-seaters on the track, time to continue investigations following the exit of Sergio Pérez in EL1.

The third free practice session will take place tomorrow morning from 11 a.m., before the qualifications which will be followed live on AUTOhebdo.fr from 14 a.m.