F1 GP Europe, Free Practice 3: Hamilton precedes Rosberg and Hulkenberg

Best time for Lewis Hamilton in Free Practice 3 of the European GP. In Baku the Mercedes Englishman lapped in 1.44.352 at the end, taking the best time from his teammate, Nico Rosberg. Nico Huldenberg is third with an excellent Force India ahead of Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) and Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari). Perez was sixth in the other Force India but hit the wall as time expired, damaging his car. Raikkonen was only tenth, slowed down by a drop in power.

Free Chronicle 3
At the green light the two Haas, the two Saubers, Rosberg, Raikkonen and so on all the others were immediately on track. Massa took the lead with 1.47.193 and then it was Ricciardo's turn to take the lead with 1.146.685. A piece of the drain grate in the pitlane broke off, a real hole was created after Bottas' passage. Jo Bauer placed a cone to indicate drivers to pass on the right. Damage to the side of the Finn's Williams, unable to return to the track for the rest of the session.

After the first 20 minutes Rosberg took the lead with a 1.45.558 on supersoft tires while Hamilton came in a tenth behind him. Halfway through the session Vettel moved into third place, more than two tenths behind the Mercedes on supersoft tires while Raikkonen was forced into the pits by a lack of power.

15 minutes from the end Ricciardo moved into third place and 10 minutes from the end Rosberg lapped in 1.44.610 on new supersoft tyres, edging out Hamilton by 9 tenths. Shortly afterwards Hulkenberg moved into second place on the supersofts.

At the end Hamilton lapped in 1.44.352 to take the lead and just as the checkered flag was shown Perez collided with the Force India at turn 15, damaging the rear. Hamilton therefore set the fastest time ahead of Rosberg, Hulkenberg, Ricciardo and Vettel. Raikkonen tenth after the loss of power suffered mid-session.

F1 GP Europe – Times and results Free Practice 3