Using the P Zero Pink hypersoft tyre in Russia for the first time, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton claimed fastest time in free practice ahead of his team mate Valtteri Bottas, on the same compound. His time was already close to the 2017 pole, but the slippery and dirty surface in Sochi means that big track evolution is a common feature, with drivers often struggling to find optimal grip. This resulted in some cases of surface graining on the hypersoft, which should reduce when more rubber is laid on the track. The drivers used the opening sessions to find out about all three compounds in Sochi, assessing their speed against likely durability on differing fuel loads. These calculations will...
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