The Mercedes AMG Petronas German driver, Nico Rosberg, was the fastest driver in third Free Practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Spain. Sebastian Vettel obtained the second fastest time as Lewis Hamilton ends in third position of the timetable.
Third practice session was quite quiet. In first steps of the session every car left the pit-lane using the hardest compound available this weekend.
Ferrari was confirming that Vettel had installed in his car the new aerodynamic improvements they have brought for this first Grand Prix in Europe, as Kimi Räikkonen was wearing the one used in Bahrain. Their aim was to compare both, seeming that the new one might be better as the German was 8 tenths faster than the Finish.
Lewis Hamilton was not that fortunate. It lasted some time until he left the box and then he lost control of his car, destroying his front left tyre.
When just fifteen minutes were left, the session became a qualifying simulation for most teams. This may give some clues about how the grid for tomorrow is going to be by looking at the timetable.
First position was for Nico Rosberg, who may today try to break the four consecutive poles his teammate owns. Behind him there was another German, Sebastian Vettel, who may have a great opportunity today as the aerodynamic pack pushes Ferrari to the top. Lewis Hamilton ended behind the red car.
Fourth was for Valtteri Bottas as Räikkönen was fifth using the Ferrari’s original aerodynamic pack. Daniel Ricciardo was fifth, demonstrating the Red Bull has improved since the last race.
Carlos Sainz was tenth and Fernando Alonso fourteenth. Despite the McLaren driver was not able to finish a fast lap, it does not seem likely he reaches Q3 in his home Grand Prix although the improvements installed in the British car.
Qualifying will be at 2 pm local time.