Canada GP – Free Practice 1: Rosberg on top, Vettel in the wall

After completing an installation lap, the drivers set the first times of this free practice session. Daniele Ricciardo is the first to clock in with a time of 1:26.560. This time is quickly beaten by Fernando Alonso at 1:19.981. After half an hour, it’s Michael Schumacher who tops the timesheet with a lap of 1:18.821.

At the beginning of the session, the drivers do not attack the final chicane of the circuit at full throttle. As the laps progress, they become more adventurous in this tricky part of the Quebec track. The track is still green, and many drivers make mistakes when braking, such as Schumacher or Heidfeld in the first turn.

Just like in Turkey, Sebastian Vettel makes a mistake in this first practice session. The world champion misses at the last chicane of the track and crashes into the ‘Bienvenue au Québec’ wall. The red flag is logically out while waiting for the German driver’s RB7 to be cleared.

With only 30 minutes remaining, it is Felipe Massa who holds the fastest lap at 1:17.431. The Brazilian is ahead of Nico Rosberg and Mark Webber. Sebastian Vettel is only 12th. At the end of the session, the Ferraris improve their times, Massa posts a 1:16.926 while Alonso takes the best time at 1:16.139.

At the end of the session, Nico Rosberg goes under the 1:16 mark with a time of 1:15.591. The Mercedes GP driver won’t be beaten and thus finishes this first session on top.

Free Practice 1 Results