Sebastian Vettel topped FP3 and smashed the outright lap record for the Hungaroring in the process beating Rubens Barrichello’s record from 2004 by 1.4 seconds with a 1m17.017s.
Ferrari ended the session in a one-two position with Kimi Raikkonen still half a second behind Vettel, he was unable to get anywhere near his team-mate after both drivers kept swapping lap record times throughout the session.
Mercedes looked very wayward with their W08 providing all sorts of balance issues causing Valtteri Bottas to end the session third and Lewis Hamilton fifth.
Red Bull had a mixed session with Daniel Ricciardo’s RB13 breaking down at Turn 10 with a electronic issue just past the halfway point of the session, both himself and Max Verstappen are close to the Mercedes with the Dutchman fourth and Ricciardo eighth respectively.
Both McLarens were in the top 10 once again and look reasonable competitive on a circuit which is not completely reliable on power, Fernando Alonso finishes sixth with Stoffel Vandoorne less than half a tenth behind in ninth.
The improved pace of the Renault certainly shone through with both Renault’s inside the top ten, both drivers carrying the new floor, Nico Hulkenberg finished seventh with Jolyon Palmer managing a clean session to end up tenth.
Daniil Kvyat complained of poor balancing issues while Toro Rosso team-mate Carlos Sainz maintained a quiet session to just be outside the top ten with both Force India’s close for company.
Haas continue to have balance problems as Romain Grosjean was unhappy with his car with a few off track excursions, finishing the session in a lowly 15th with team-mate Kevin Magnussen behind in 16th.
Williams have been off the pace all weekend long as the FW40 doesn’t seem to suit the layout of the Hungaroring, the bigger problem lies with the health of Felipe Massa who felt unwell after Friday’s running and went to hospital for check ups.
After running in Saturday’s morning practice he sat out the final third of the session still feeling unwell, reserve driver Paul Di Resta has been on standby and is looking to be prepared in case the Brazilian is unfit to drive.
