The first free practice session has been completely dominated by Ferrari thanks to their soft tyres while Mercedes were only in second row using medium tyres. During the second session, Rosberg was the fastest ahead of Raikkonen and Hamilton.
Free practice 1
The only reserve driver to drive today was Esteban Ocon, taking Jolyon Palmer’s place in the Renault for FP1. Shall we also remind that Daniil Kvyat has been sent to Toro Rosso while Max Verstappen was taken to Red Bull Racing.
The session started under a clear blue sky and with warm temperatures. All the drivers went out for a quick formation lap, Grosjean leading the field. Verstappen, who made his debut with Red Bull, changed of front wing in the first part of the session. As usual, Mercedes drivers quickly fought for the lead of the times.
Thirty minutes into the session, Perez parked his car in the box until the end of the session because of a mechanical problem. At the end of the session, the drivers did not want to waste a set of tyres which explains why there was no significant change in the timing.
Vettel ended the session ahead of his teammate at the top, Mercedes went on the front row ahead of the Red Bulls and Williams.
Free practice 2
This session started with qualifying simulations. Raikkonen set the pace before his fellow countryman, Bottas, went faster. Only ten minutes into the session, the VSC was deployed after Palmer’s puncture, leaving some debris on track before the red flag was waved as a lot of time wsas needed to get Palmer’s car out as it was stopped on track.
Most drivers went out with soft tyres except Gutierrez and Palmer, but none of the driver could improve their time.
At the end of the time, Rosberg was ahead of Raikkonen and Hamilton.