Late problems for Red Bull in China

Michael Huguenin

Late problems for Red Bull in China image

Red Bull had a poor finish to the Chinese Grand Prix's third practice session on Saturday with both Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat experiencing technical issues.

Ricciardo failed to get out for one final run after setting the fifth-fastest time due to an ongoing heating problem with his brakes, while Kvyat complained of a lack of power just before the chequered flag was waved.

While the Red Bull pair were only bettered by Mercedes and Ferrari in the final practice session in Shanghai, Christian Horner will have some concerns ahead of qualifying.

Red Bull's team principal claimed Ricciardo's brakes were fine on short runs but conceded it would not be suitable for Sunday's race.

"We need to get on top of it… so the guys will get into it and try and understand it now," Horner told Sky Sports.

Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton continued his strong week in China, topping the charts with a time of 1:37.615, followed by Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg (1:37.841).

Hamilton was the first to break the one minute, 40 second mark, stopping the clock at 1:39.766 in the first half of the session but had to stop soon after, as he complained of his seat overheating.

With 16 minutes left, Kvyat overhauled Hamilton but Mercedes' two drivers, plus Ricciardo, both responded heading into the final 10 minutes.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen emerged late to make a final statement before qualifying, ensuring they finished third and fourth.

Earlier, McLaren's engine issues struck again in the opening minutes when Fernando Alonso's car stopped and he was forced to return to pit lane, with the Spaniard spending the rest of the session in the garage.

Alonso's team-mate Jenson Button set the 15th-best time with 1:39.694.

 

FP3 classification:

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1:37.615

2. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 1:37.841

3. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 1:38.313

4. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 1:38.512

5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) 1:39.020

6. Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) 1:39.106

7. Carlos Sainz Jr (Toro Rosso) 1:39.113

8. Valtteri Bottas (Williams) 1:39.243

9. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) 1:39.274

10. Romain Grosjean (Lotus) 1:39.405

Michael Huguenin