F1-EL2: Nico Rosberg confirms at Spa

A mechanical problem this morning, a spectacular explosion of the right rear tire on its Mercedes W06 Hybrid at the Blanchimont corner, (the tire having started to suffer earlier in the lap), on Friday Nico Rosberg will not have been easy. “Suddenly losing control at such speed is not good. It's just luck to have avoided the wall. » he admitted after the session.

Despite these difficulties, the German, just like in EL1, was once again the fastest in the second free practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix. With a reference time established in 1’49”385, the vice-world champion is ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton by more than three tenths.

The Red Bull de Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat are close behind the Mercedes in the standings, but more than seven tenths behind Rosberg for the Australian. Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) finished fifth ahead of the first Force India, that of Nico Hulkenberg.

Romain Grosjean, who was forced to stop his Lotus E23 Hybrid on the track at the very end of the session, visibly suffering from a loss of power, climbed into seventh position ahead of the Saubers of Marcus Ericsson, who caused a red flag following a violent exit from the track, and Felipe Nasr. The Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel completes a top 10 that failed to integrate Toro Rosso, Williams et McLaren.

The third and final free practice session will begin tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. the qualifications scheduled for 14 p.m., and which will be followed live on AUTOhebdo.fr