Naharnet

Formula One: Hamilton Crashes, Rosberg on Top

Lewis Hamilton crashed enabling Nico Rosberg to take advantage and top the times for Mercedes in Friday’s second free practice for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 31-year-old German, who earlier Friday signed a new two-year contract to remain with Mercedes until 2018, clocked a best lap in one minute and 20.435 seconds on a busy day at the Hungaroring.

This was enough to see him wind up half a second faster than nearest rival Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull and nine-tenths clear of third-placed four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.

Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was fourth fastest in the second Red Bull and Hamilton fifth, even though he did not run on the super-soft tyres during his brief 14 minutes on track at the start of the 90-minutes session.

The defending three-time champion lost control of the back end of his car out of Turn 11 on the tight and twisty track and hit the barriers side-on.

He was able to re-start and drive gingerly back to the pits, but after an inspection the team decided to strip his car down.

Hamilton, who was unhurt, visited the medical center for a check-up before returning to the Mercedes garage. He was fastest at the time of his accident, but had done only four laps.

Kimi Raikkonen was sixth for Ferrari ahead of two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and his McLaren team-mate 2009 champion Jenson Button.

Nico Hulkenberg was ninth ahead of his team-mate Mexican Sergio Perez.

Hamilton, one point shy of Rosberg in the championship, is seeking a record fifth win and a current hat-trick of straight wins in Hungary, the 11th race of the 21-race season.

Source: Agence France Presse


Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/213526