Quebecer Lance Stroll set the third fastest time in the first free practice session of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix on Friday at Silverstone.
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The Racing Point driver completed his fastest lap in 1 min 28.004 s using medium tires. He was only 108 tenths of a second behind Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), wearing the same tires.
Dutchman Max Verstappen was the fastest in the session, covering the English track in 1: 27.422 on the softest tires.
Alongside Stroll, German Nico Hulkenberg got behind the wheel of the other pink single-seater due to Sergio Perez’s positive result in a COVID-19 test. Hulkenberg, who clocked a good time of 1: 28.592 for the ninth rank, will be on the starting grid on Sunday, and will also have to take over next Sunday.
Hulkenberg has not found a seat for the current season after being kicked out of Renault by Esteban Ocon at the end of the last campaign. He is the current holder of an unfortunate F1 record with 179 races without a podium.
“I was on my way to the [circuit] Nurburgring for another project when Otmar [Szafnauer, le directeur de Racing Point,] called me, Hulkenberg said in a statement. It’s a bit surreal to me, but I love challenges, and it is. [Perez] is a friend of mine, a former teammate, and I wish him a quick recovery. I take his place and I will try to do the best possible for the team! ”
German Sebastian Vettel was unable to complete a timed lap. Ferrari has indeed detected a problem with its cooling system. He should be able to attend the second session of the day.
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