A late lap from Valtteri Bottas saw him top the final practice session ahead of qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix. Williams continued to show their impressive pace with Massa also in the top three.
Adrian Sutil and Pastor Maldonado were the first drivers to take to the Red Bull Ring as they completed their initial installation laps.
Jenson Button’s session was halted early on as he suffered a brake problem which subsequently damaged the floor of his McLaren. Button only completed four laps and is on the back foot as we approach qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton set the second quickest time of the session – half a tenth behind Bottas with teammate Rosberg in fifth.
Danil Kvyat showed that the Toro Rosso had an improved performance setting the fourth quickest time ahead of Rosberg and Alonso.
Red Bull had a mediocre session with Ricciardo in seventh and Vettel in tenth. It is believed that they were running heavier fuel thus are likely to be challenging Williams for third on the grid.
Sergio Perez had several offs in the last corner and could only manage the fifteenth fastest time of the session. The second practice session showed that once again Force India had strong race performance but look set to struggle to get into Q3.
Jules Bianchi had a strong session in eighteenth – only three tenths behind the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez.
With qualifying only two hours away, it still looks to be a battle between the Mercedes drivers however the Williams’ in particular could give them a run for their money.
