Hamilton Sets Fastest Time In Second Practice Session

SEPANG (Selangor, Malaysia), Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One (F1) Team set the fastest time in the second practice session of the 2016 Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix (GP) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here, Friday. Hamilton, currently in second spot in the drivers' standings, clocked the fastest time of one minute 34.944 seconds, narrowing Juan Pablo Montoya's record at the Sepang Circuit. Montoya set a time of 1:34.223s in 2004. Hamilton's team mate, Nico Rosberg clocked the second fastest time of 1:35.177s and followed by Sebastian Vettel of Scuderia Ferrari with 1:35.605s Meanwhile, on the subject of temperature records, Sepang Circuit recorded the hottest day for track temperature at 54 degree Celcius, the highest in the history of the championship. Hamilton said his team had a good understanding of the tyres and the plan went well in both practice session on Friday. The Briton improved on his time from the first free practice where he clocked 1:35.721s to beat team-mate Rosberg, who clocked the fastest lap his morning with 1:35.227s. "It was a good day today. No issues to report and we got through our run plans in both sessions. There's a lot of data to analyse tonight to make sure everything runs smoothly tomorrow (Saturday). "A big shout-out to the fans out here today. I saw them waving across in the stands at the end of free practice two and they've all got banners and caps showing their support, which is great to see," said Hamilton. Rosberg added that the new track surface was really enjoyable to drive and very challenging, especially at turn 15. "It's tough to get the setup right with such an unknown element as new tarmac, but we're on the right track. "Turn 15 is interesting, as you can now try several different lines if you're attacking the guy in front, so that will be good for overtaking. "Looking at the race, even the soft tyre held on pretty well out there, so we don't expect any big surprises. I'm looking forward now to qualifying," said Rosberg. --BERNAMA