F1-EL3: Vettel keeps the lead before the rain at the Red Bull Ring

Sebastian Vettel had time to set the best time in practice for the Austrian GP with the soft tires before a downpour disrupted the last session held on the Red Bull Ring and prevent most drivers from using red sidewall tires.

The pilot Ferrari completed a lap in 1’09”994 with a lead of 17 thousandths over Lewis Hamilton, While Kimi Räikkönen follows a tenth ahead Sergio Pérez et Nico Rosberg. The Mexican barely had time to shine with the super soft tires. The leader of the Chamoionnat chose not to ride in the rain unlike most of the peloton.

The Williams finish just outside the top five with Felipe Massa in 6th place in front Valtteri Bottas. Max Verstappen hoisted the first Toro Rosso in 8th position with the red tires ahead of the Lotus of Pastor Maldonado et Romain Grosjean. The Frenchman encountered problems with gear selection. The Red Bulls are discreet with Daniil Kvyat 14th behind Carlos Sainz Jr et Daniel Ricciardo 16th behind Fernando Alonso.

McLaren is still suffering. While Jenson Button only set the 18th time, Fernando Alonso stopped on the track mid-session following transmission problems.

Qualifying for the Austrian GP will be followed from 14 p.m. on AUTOhebdo.fr.