Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg claimed the early initiative as the action got underway at the brand new Sochi Autodrom on Friday morning.

Nico Rosberg set the fastest time during the first-ever Formula 1 practice session at the Sochi Autodrom. Rosberg’s time of 1:42.311 was 0.065s quicker than Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton as drivers received their first experience of the 5.8km semi-permanent street circuit.

Further down the track you have Ricciardo leading the way for Red Bull in P12 with Vettel down in 14th. Caterham won the battle of the backmarkers in the end with Merhi posting a 1:46.782 with Ericsson next and Chilton completing the 21.