Leclerc gets off to a good start at Russian GP practice

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) set the best time in the first practice session of the Russian GP in Sochi. With a time of 1’34”462, the Monegasque is still more than 3 seconds behind the pole position signed last year by Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes).

The Mercedes remained discreet in this session with the Finn and his teammate Lewis Hamilton completing the Top 5 behind Red Bull de Max Verstappen and the Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel, but the W10 drivers concentrated their efforts on the medium tires. The Finn was surprised by the breakage of his rear wing at the end of the session.

Max Verstappen failed 8 hundredths from the benchmark, while the winner of the Singapore GP followed half a second behind.

Alexander albon (Red Bull) took 6th position ahead of the Renault de Nico Hulkenberg et Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian damaged his R.S.19 by spinning and ending up in the tire wall during his return lap to the pits after the checkered flag.

Two cars in the top ten, and everything was going well for Renault in FP1

Until the last 30 seconds

Daniel Ricciardo goes into the wall #RussianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/5frtJbkrD3

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 27, 2019

Romain Grosjean (Haas) completed the Top 10 between Sergio Pérez (Racing Point) and Carlos Sainz Jr. (McLaren). Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) followed in 12th place ahead Kevin Magnussen (Challenge), Lance stroll (Racing Point), Kimi Räikkönen (Alfa Romeo), Lando Norris (McLaren) and Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo).

Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) was only able to complete 5 laps before encountering mechanical problems. The local driver ranks penultimate between the Williams by George Russell and Robert Kubica.

The second practice session for the Russian GP will be contested from 14 p.m. and will be followed live on Canal+ Sport Weekend.