Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg topped first practice for the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom.
The German was one of the last drivers to set his final time of the session when track conditions were at their best.
Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg was second fastest ahead of Vettel, but ultimately the session was unrepresentative due to the conditions.
Opening practice in Sochi was delayed by 30 minutes due to a diesel spillage at turn eight. Track marshal’s cleared the diesel with the use of water meaning parts of the track were very damp while the rest was bone dry. This meant everyone opted to use the intermediate or wet tyres in the opening part of FP1.
Sergio Perez was fourth fastest albeit seven-tenths behind teammate Nico Hulkenberg. Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen rounded out the top ten.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa spun late on but neither sustained any damage. The Brazilian finished twelfth fastest.
Fernando Alonso was out there early and completed the most laps of the session. The Spaniard finished fourteenth quickest while Will Stevens was slowest out of the 20 runners – 13.899 seconds off the pace set by Hulkenberg.
