Russian GP: Sebastian Vettel leads Ferrari one-two in Sochi practice

Formula One frontrunner Sebastian Vettel led a Ferrari one-two in Russian Grand Prix practice on Friday with the resurgent Italian team appearing to have a clear edge over champions Mercedes.

The German four-times world champion enjoyed the afternoon sunshine with a best lap of one minute 34.120 seconds — 0.263 quicker than team mate Kimi Raikkonen and 0.709 clear of Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton.

Raikkonen had been fastest in the morning.

Valtteri Bottas, a close second in opening practice, was third in the afternoon for Mercedes and 0.670 off Vettel’s pace, while team mate Hamilton was fourth.

Vettel leads Hamilton by seven points after winning two of three races this season. The Briton won in China.

Sochi’s street circuit, winding around the landmark venues of the 2014 Olympic Park, has favoured Mercedes since its debut three years ago with the champions leading every lap of every race there.

Triple champion Hamilton won in 2014 and 2015 with now-retired team mate Nico Rosberg triumphant last year on his way to the title.

SMOKE BLOWING

“This is a circuit that suits them,” said Vettel, suggesting Mercedes had been hiding their true pace. “They will be strong tomorrow.”

Hamilton said it had been a “bit of a difficult day” but rejected any suggestion …read more