ABU DHABI GP – Hamilton fastest in the afternoon practice by .1 of a second
Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the first practice for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The world champion beat his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg by .1 of a second with the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen a further .6 of a second behind.
The first practice session is not seen as the most representative session because temperatures will be a lot lower in the evening session as they will fall as the sunsets over the circuit.
Red Bull’s Daniil Kyvat was fourth fastest in between the two Ferrari’s. Sebastian Vettel finished ahead of the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg with Daniel Riccardo seventh.
Lotus reserve and race driver for 2016 Joylon Palmyer failed to run for most of the session because of a water leak. During his brief run the Englishman did make a harmless error spinning at turn 18. He finished the session eighteenth fastest.
The session was rather straight forward with no major accident during the warm session. But the evening session may provide more drama as they transition into the night.
Most of the focus was away from track with the saga over Red Bull engines continues but team boss Christian Horner has confirmed a deal has been done which understood to be continue with Renault.
Also Renault is expected to announce this evening that it is taking over the Lotus team. But sources say it is being held up by a dispute over prize money with F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone, which has been ongoing for some time.
COMMENTS: