Russian Grand Prix: Force India's Nico Hulkenberg Tops First Practice

Force India's Nico Hulkenberg edged Mercedes' Nico Rosberg to record the fastest time in the first practice of the Russian Grand Prix Formala 1 race in Sochi on Friday. (Nico Rosberg Remains Defiant in Title Bid)

The practice began half-an-hour late due to a diesel spill at the Sochi Autodrom.

But it didn't hinder Hulkenberg (1:44.355) from clocking 0.052s faster time than Rosberg.

Sebastian Vettel was third fastest for team Ferrari, ahead of Sergio Perez in the second Force India car.

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo was fifth, followed by Carlos Sainz for Toro Rosso.

World champion and this year's leader Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton came in seventh, ahead of Williams' Valtteri Bottas.

Toro Rosso's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen completed the top ten spots.