Defending world champion Lewis Hamilton topped the times ahead of Daniil Kvyat of Red Bull in Friday’s second free practice session ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.
On an eventful day, just 72 hours after the funeral of Jules Bianchi, Hamilton led the way as the drivers demonstrated their respect for the 25-year-old Frenchman who died last Friday by pulling down their visors and showing total commitment.
In searing heat that reached 50 degrees Celsius on the pit wall, Hamilton, who is seeking a record fifth Formula One win on one of his favourite circuits, recorded a best lap time of one minute and 23.949 seconds to outpace the Russian by 0.351 seconds.
"That was very good fun," said Hamilton.
"But I cannot tell you how hot it is out there. The heat is so intense. It is like driving in a sauna with this racing suit on, and the thermal underwear, and so hot!
"And it is not easy. This is a challenging circuit and that is how it should be, but it would be good if it is not so hot on Sunday for the race. I feel I must have lost at least a kilo out there in that session."
Hamilton won at the Hungaroring track in 2007, his debut season in F1, 2009, 2012 and 2013 and, with four wins, has the same total of victories as seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.
The 30-year-old Briton leads his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg by 17 points in the title race.
Kvyat’s lap was an endorsement of Red Bull’s improved showing on the tight, twisty and technical circuit that suited their car.
His team-mate, Australian Daniel Ricciardo, was half a second adrift to take third ahead of Rosberg, in fourth place.
Asked about seeing the two Red Bulls separating him from Rosberg, Hamilton smiled. "That’s good – the more the merrier!"
'Bianchi tributes'
Rosberg was in a subdued mood, as were many of the drivers in cars and helmets that carried special tributes to Bianchi, after he had continued to struggle for his best form, notably with his brakes.
"Not a good day for me and I was chasing it all the way with under-steer and over-steer, but I can pull it back tomorrow," said Rosberg.
Ricciardo’s strong performance came in a session that saw him pull off the track with plumes of white smoke pouring from the rear of his car after an apparent engine failure.
The incident caused the session to be red-flagged and halted briefly while the car was cleared out of the way.
Kimi Raikkonen, who had caused a red-flag interruption in the morning session when the front wing of his car fell off, was fifth fastest for Ferrari ahead of Carlos Sainz Junior of Toro Rosso, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and two-time champion Fernando Alonso who was eighth for McLaren.
The two Williams men, Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa, were ninth and 10th ahead of Dutch teenager Max Verstappen of Toro Rosso and Jenson Button, the 2009 champion, in the second McLaren.
The day had started with a dramatic morning session that, in addition to Raikkonen’s incident, saw Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India survive unhurt and walk away from a spectacular crash.
The team withdrew him and team-mate German Nico Hulkenberg from the second practice session.
The Lotus team joined the fray in the morning after making a last-hour payment to Pirelli for their tyres.
AFP
Sat Jul 25 2015
HAMILTON: This is a challenging circuit and that is how it should be, but it would be good if it is not so hot on Sunday for the race. - AFP Photo/Ferenc Isza
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.