Mercedes AMG Petronas returned after the summer break with a 1-2 in the 1st practice session with Nico Rosberg narrowly edging out team mate Lewis Hamilton, with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso bring in 3rd fastest time.

Meanwhile at the other end of the timing sheet, F1’s new entries Andre Lotterer (3 times Le Mans winner) took part in his 1st F1 session in the newly revamped Caterham CT04 and Alexander Rossi (who now is only to take part in Free Practice 1 this weekend rather than drive for the entire event) got a 1st  taste of his Marussia MR03.