Australia – Free Practice 3: Mercedes Still Ahead, Lotus Sinks

Lotus and Marussia broke the curfew to work on their cars overnight to be operational this Saturday morning.

During the first thirty minutes, there are many drivers on track for this third free practice session as the rain threatens the Australian circuit. Gutierrez experiences a gearbox problem and almost stops on track, but he manages to bring his car back to the pit. The McLarens of Magnussen and Button have braking issues and take to the run-offs, without consequences. On the Lotus side, both cars are out, Maldonado completes several timed laps but remains 14th, 3.8 seconds behind the leading duo formed by the two Mercedes. Grosjean encounters an engine issue on his first lap and returns immediately to the pit. Meanwhile, the Ferraris complete their first timed laps, Räikkönen is 5th, Alonso 12th.

During the last half hour, still no rain and the sun seems to be making a comeback. Three drivers have yet to set a time: Gutierrez, Grosjean, and Bottas. Most drivers are now on soft tires, with Rosberg setting the fastest time of the weekend at 1:29.375 on soft tires. His teammate, on a similar lap, makes a mistake and has to slow down. At the same time, Grosjean returns to the track, but his Lotus is no better, prompting a return to the pits and a furious radio exchange from the Frenchman. Many drivers are sliding, struggling to complete a fast lap without errors. Button and Alonso position themselves between Rosberg, still first, and Hamilton, but six-tenths behind the German. Ricciardo is 5th while his teammate Sebastian Vettel is only 12th. Just seconds before the end of the session, Pastor Maldonado stops his Lotus at the side of the track, yet another bad session for Lotus!

This session concludes once again with a Mercedes at the top of the timesheet. Rosberg leads Button, Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton. Catastrophic situation for Lotus, with only one car (Maldonado) in 18th position, as Grosjean could not complete any timed laps, just like Bottas and Gutierrez, who were immobilized early in the session.

Free Practice 3 Results of the 2014 Australian Grand Prix: