SILVERSTONE -- Valtteri Bottas was the fastest driver in the opening practice session for the British Grand Prix after setting a new lap record at the Silverstone circuit on Friday morning.
Bottas held a 0.078s margin over Merceds teammate Lewis Hamilton, even though Hamilton set faster times in sectors one and two. The two Mercedes drivers opted not to use the super-soft tyre compound in the morning session, suggesting there is even more time to come from the world champions in the afternoon. Both cars also have new power units fitted this weekend -- their third of four for the season -- which should offer a performance boost this weekend.