Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc posted the quickest time during a relatively uneventful opening practice session for Formula 1’s Russian Grand Prix.
Leclerc clocked a time of 1:34.462 on the Soft tyres to keep Ferrari atop the table, with the Italian marque having won the last three grands prix.
Leclerc’s advantage over nearest rival Max Verstappen was just 0.082s, while Sebastian Vettel – also on Soft tyres – placed third, half a second behind.
Mercedes pair Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton set their best times on Medium tyres as they classified fourth and fifth respectively.
Both Mercedes drivers had minor setbacks during the course of the session; Valtteri Bottas’ DRS appeared to be broken briefly, remaining slightly open through Turn 3, while points leader Hamilton complained of brake issues early on but swiftly resumed his programme.
Alexander Albon was sixth, a second off the pace, while outgoing Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg comfortably fronted the midfield group, half a second clear of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo ended his session by dragging his Renault R.S.19 back to the pit lane after he spun and went rear-first into the Turn 10 barriers, causing substantial damage to the rear of the car.
Racing Point’s Sergio Perez was ninth as Haas’ Romain Grosjean edged McLaren’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly to seal the final top 10 spot.
Kevin Magnussen, Lance Stroll, Kimi Raikkonen and Lando Norris were all in a closely-matched group outside the top 10, with Antonio Giovianzzi adrift of the pack in 17th spot.
Williams were again the slowest team; George Russell and Robert Kubica were four seconds off the pace, and over a second down on slowest midfielder Giovinazzi.
Home representative Daniil Kvyat, already starting at the back due to power unit changes, managed only five laps before he pulled to the side of the track, prompting a brief Virtual Safety Car period.
Second practice is scheduled to begin at 15:00 local time
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