Formula One returns to the Hockenheimring for the first time since 2014 and it was Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg who set the fastest time in first practice for the German Grand Prix.
Rosberg ended first practice 0.326s clear of Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, who hasn’t won at Hockenheim since 2008.
Ferrari were best of the rest behind the Mercedes duo, however, were over a second down on Rosberg’s benchmark. Sebastian Vettel led Kimi Raikkonen with two-tenths splitting the duo.
The Red Bull duo of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo closely followed in fifth and sixth respectively.
Fernando Alonso continued McLaren’s strong form in recent races, setting the seventh fastest time of FP1 and look to be the fourth fastest team once again this weekend behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. Jenson Button was eighth fastest albeit half a second off his teammate.
Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top 10 positions.
Charles Leclerc was back in the Haas, ending the session in 17th whilst reigning GP3 champion Esteban Ocon was 20th fastest.
