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Russian GP: Felipe Massa fastest as rain spoils Friday F1 practice

Williams Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa set the pace in a rain-hit second practice for the Russian Grand Prix, as only eight drivers set a time

The Brazilian clocked a 2m00.458s on the full wet tyres at the Sochi Autodrom as rain fell throughout the session.

Drivers bemoaned the slippery conditions, with several getting caught out by the large amounts of standing water on the track.

It compounded a frustrating day for the pitlane as a "significant diesel spillage" disrupted the start of first practice.

As a result, teams will have to complete a packed-programme in final practice on Saturday to make up for lost time.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was second quickest, ahead of the second Williams of Valtteri Botta, both setting their best laps late on.

Toro Rosso driver Max Verstappen, who was told he couldn't do a flying lap towards the end of the session because the team needed to save tyres as a precaution for Sunday's race, was fourth.

Fernando Alonso was fifth, completing 12 laps, but his session ended slightly early when McLaren instructed him to return to the pits having discovered a problem with his car.

Daniil Kvyat, Carlos Sainz Jr and Jenson Button were the other drivers who set a time.

Six drivers, including world champion Lewis Hamilton, ventured out but did not complete a timed lap while a further six chose to not leave the garage at all.

PRACTICE TWO TIMES:

Pos Driver Car Time Gap Laps
1 Felipe Massa Williams/Mercedes 2m00.458s - 6
2 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 2m00.659s 0.201s 8
3 Valtteri Bottas Williams/Mercedes 2m00.688s 0.230s 8
4 Max Verstappen Toro Rosso/Renault 2m00.806s 0.348s 7
5 Fernando Alonso McLaren/Honda 2m01.077s 0.619s 12
6 Daniil Kvyat Red Bull/Renault 2m01.418s 0.960s 6
7 Carlos Sainz Jr. Toro Rosso/Renault 2m02.805s 2.347s 7
8 Jenson Button McLaren/Honda 2m02.845s 2.387s 8
9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes - - 6
10 Marcus Ericsson Sauber/Ferrari - - 3
11 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes - - 3
12 Sergio Perez Force India/Mercedes - - 3
13 Nico Hulkenberg Force India/Mercedes - - 3
14 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull/Renault - - 1


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