Nico Rosberg fastest in third practice at Monaco GP

Nico Rosberg posted the fastest time under blue skies in the third practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix, boosting his pole position hopes ahead of qualifying later Saturday.

The German driver, who won the Chinese Grand Prix this season, took advantage of dry conditions and supersoft tyres to power his Mercedes to a time of 1 minute, 15.159 seconds - 0.38 seconds faster than Ferrari's Felipe Massa, and 0.50 ahead of reigning champion Sebastian Vettel.

Pastor Maldonado and Paul di Resta both crashed, although neither was hurt.

Di Resta ploughed the nose of his Force India into a barrier after spinning out of the tunnel, while Maldonado hit a barrier and his left wheel flew off, bringing the session to an end with only a few minutes left.