Bottas won the introductory F1 training in Russia, Verstappen deployed a new engine

Thirty-two-year-old Bottas, who will drive the Alfa Romeo team from the new season, has confirmed that the circuit in Sochi has been fitting for a long time. The “Silver Arrows” have won all seven races so far. Bottas defends last year’s triumph in the area of ​​the former Olympic Park.

Hamilton, who can achieve his jubilee 100th career victory in Russia, is attacking a record fifth victory on the local track. During the afternoon’s second ride at the pit stop, he did not brake and knocked down his mechanic. The man is fine after the collision.

Verstappen has never won or stood in pole position in Sochi. He finished second there best in the race last year. After third place in the morning, he fell behind with a new power unit and finished sixth with a loss of more than a second.

After replacing the engine, the Verstappen will start from the end of the grid according to the rules. The Dutchman originally had to lose three places in the starting order after Saturday’s qualification due to an accident from the last Italian GP. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari also deployed the new power unit.

The second practice was temporarily interrupted by an accident by Antonio Giovinazzi, who damaged the back of his Alfa Romeo.

The program of the Russian Grand Prix continues with Saturday’s third training and subsequent qualification from 14:00. The race will then take place at the same time a day later.

– .