F1-EL2: Rosberg responds to Hamilton in Brazil

The Mercedes W06 Hybrid hit hard during the second free practice session of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Without their new features seen on the upper part of the snout in EL1, the star cars largely dominated the second session at Interlagos, which was not disrupted by the few drops of rain seen around the track.

If Hamilton had been the fastest in the Brazilian morning, Nico Rosberg, outgoing winner in São Paulo, got the better of his teammate, setting a best lap in 1'12″385. The German experienced a slight scare in the afternoon when he went into the grass at turn 12.

Behind the two German single-seaters, the Ferrari de Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen finish in that order, but almost a second behind for the four-time German world champion, the last driver under a second. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) climbs into fifth position, 1″2 behind Hamilton with new engine specification Renault, and precedes the Williams de Valtteri Bottas, victim of a spin during the session. The Grove cars improved their performance compared to Free Practice 1, with Felipe Massa ultimately finishing tenth.

Romain Grosjean, back in the seat of his Lotus E23 after giving up his place to Jolyon Palmer earlier in the day, ranks seventh, showing himself to be one of the most diligent on the track. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India), Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) and therefore Felipe Massa complete the top 10. Toro Rosso de Max Verstappen et Carlos Sainz are further down the hierarchy, in 14th and 15th ranks just ahead of the first McLaren by Jenson Button.

The session was interrupted by a red flag caused by stopping at the side of the track Fernando Alonso (McLaren) with an MP4-30 letting out smoke. The Spaniard had previously complained of a power problem. The third and final practice session will begin tomorrow at 14 p.m. French time.