Rain showers ensure little learned in first practice session of 2016
Friday 18 March 2016 06:22, UK
Lewis Hamilton topped the first practice session of the 2016 F1 season - although rain in Melbourne meant little was learned about the likely pecking order for the Australian Grand Prix.
A drastic change in weather overnight meant that the scorching temperatures of Thursday gave way to wet and windy conditions and ensured there was only a brief window for dry running in Practice One.
When drivers were able to sample Pirelli's slick tyres, world champion Hamilton completed the only lap below 1:30 with his 1:29.725 time good enough to begin his title defence at the head of the timesheet.
Red Bull made the most of the slick running and finished second and third with Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo respectively - although the latter ended the session in the gravel as the rain returned with vengeance in the closing minutes.
"I was intrigued to see that whatever the conditions there was a Red Bull near the top. But, of course, the two Mercs looked immense," said Sky F1's Martin Brundle.
Ferrari are being tipped to challenge Mercedes this weekend but neither Kimi Raikkonen in 17th nor Sebastian Vettel in 21st set representative laps, with the German entering the track late on when conditions worsened.
Force India's Nico Hulkenberg was fourth ahead of Toro Rosso's Max Verstappen, who spun at Turn Six after getting caught out on a wet kerb.
The second Mercedes of Nico Rosberg finished sixth ahead of the two McLarens, although Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso are not expected to stay in the top 10 come Saturday and Sunday.
Debuting their distinctive new all-yellow RS16, Renault finished 10th with new signing Kevin Magnussen, while F1 newcomers Haas completed 14 laps across their two cars.
Esteban Gutierrez was initially delayed by a technical problem on his VF16 before taking to the track where he wound up 18th fastest.
Practice One timesheet
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:29.725
2. Daniil Kvyat, Red Bull, 1:30.146
3. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull, 1:30.875
4. Nico Hulkenberg, Force India, 1:31.325
5. Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso, 1:31.720
6. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:31.814
7. Fernando Alonso, McLaren, 1:33.060
8. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:33.129
9. Sergio Perez, Force India, 1:33.370
10. Kevin Magnussen, Renault, 1:34.060
11. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:34.550
12. Felipe Massa, Williams, 1:34.679
13. Felipe Nasr, Sauber, 1:34.796
14. Jolyon Palmer, Renault, 1:35.477
15. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber, 1:37.956
16. Pascal Wehrlein, Manor, 1:40.401
17. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:40.754
18. Esteban Gutierrez, Haas, 1:41.780
19. Rio Haryanto, Manor, 1:43.372
20. Romain Grosjean, Haas, 1:43.443
21. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, No time
22. Carlos Sainz, Toro Rosso, No time
The first race of the 2016 F1 season, the Australian GP, is exclusively live on Sky F1. The race in Melbourne starts at 5am on Sunday March 20. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
