Mercedes duo Hamilton-Rosberg fastest in Austrian GP practice

The Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg finish one-two in Friday's second practice session for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

20 June 2014, 5:34pm
by Staff Reporter

1 min read

British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes during the second practice session at the Red Bull Ring race track in Spielberg, Austria. Phot by David Ebener/dpa

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Hamilton was quickest on the Red Bull Ring with a time of 1 minute 9.542 seconds while the world championship leader Rosberg - currently 22 points ahead of Hamilton in the standings - was 0.377 seconds behind his team-mate.

Rosberg was fastest in Friday's first practice ahead of Hamilton.

The Mercedes team is hoping to bounce back after the Canadian Grand Prix - the first race they did not win, as Rosberg was second and Hamilton failed to finish due to technical problems.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was third in the second practice, 0.551 seconds behind Rosberg, followed by the Williams duo of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa.

Red Bull were unable to take advantage of the home track as reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel was sixth - 0.888 seconds behind Rosberg - and Canadian GP winner Daniel Ricciardo was eighth.

Light rain and wind caused problems during both practice sessions, especially the first practice which saw Vettel spin around twice after getting on the wet grass.

Formula One is returning to Austria for the first time in 11 years.

Qualifying takes place Saturday before the race on Sunday.