Rosberg leads first practice in Germany

F1 Grand Prix, GP Germany, Hockenheimring

Nico Rosberg started the German Grand Prix weekend in the best possible fashion by setting the fastest time in the first practice session, less than a tenth ahead of his team mate, Lewis Hamilton.

Third fastest was again Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari, a normal position for him in first practice sessions. Daniel Ricciardo was fourth fastest and Jenson Button set the 5th best time, driving with a McLaren that has both new front and rear wings.

The session saw no major issues for anyone although many drivers went wide at several corners. Both Lotus drivers once again appeared to struggle badly, contrary to the team's expectations for this circuit. Lotus however have been at the forefront of FRIC development since 2008 and may find that removing the system will be a bigger deficit for them than for other teams.

Susie Wolff was also again in the car at Williams following her dismal debut at Silverstone where her car broke down just 4 laps into the session. This time around, she completed 22 laps, the best of which little more than two tenths shy of Felipe Massa's best. She did however commit two pitlane speeding infringements, resulting in a total fine of €2000.