Mercedes Dominates F1 Practice in Melbourne
Giancarlo Perlas March 13, 2015
Mercedes seems to be gearing for another impressive win in the upcoming Formula One Australian Grand Prix. In the most recent practice session, its drivers logged the fastest time on the track.
Nico Rosberg led the practice with a time of one minute and 27.697 seconds. Lewis Hamilton, the defending F1 World Champion, came in next in just a split-second with a time of one minute and 27.797 seconds.
Ferrari trailed behind Mercedes in the event. The multi-time and former F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, was the third quickest with 1:28.412, followed by his teammate Kimi Raikkonen at 1:28.842. On the other hand, Valtteri Bottas was fifth with 1:29.265.
Last year, it was Rosberg who emerged triumphant in the Australian GP. He won the race by almost 25 seconds. On the other hand, Hamilton experienced mechanical issues with his car that time, so he wasn’t able to finish. With the amazing display of the two in the last practice, and provided that they won’t encounter reliability issues on Sunday, everyone might be in for a good show from the Mercedes teammates/rivals.
The favorite in the coming event is none other than Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo though. He was supposed to be the second placer last year in Melbourne, which also marked his debut in the organization. However, he was later disqualified because of going over the maximum allowable fuel rate per race.
Going back to Vettel, his more reliable car this time might pose a threat to Mercedes. Although Mercedes looks like it still has the most powerful, or even the best car this season, the driving skills of the German should not be underestimated. Rosberg and Hamilton should be on the look out for the avenging former champ in their rear on March 15.
