FP3: Ferrari 1-2 ahead of qualifying

F1 Grand Prix, GP Russia, Sochi International Street Circuit

Ferrari are strong favourites to secure pole position for the Russian Grand Prix, as the scarlet cars headed the timing sheet of the final practice session. Lewis Hamilton came close to matching Sebastian Vettel, but he had to settle for third.

Mercedes seemed to be in better form than on Friday and considerably closer to Ferrari that what was the case. Max Verstappen slotted in behind the Mercedes duo, and he was lucky to get out of the session without major damage to his car. In one of his first laps on soft tyres, the Dutchman mounted on the kerbs at Turn 2, and luckily for him only hit the barriers at low speed, causing no or very limited damage to his car.

Romain Grosjean put Haas firmly in the top 10 with a 6th best time, ahead of the second Red Bull of Alexander Albon. The second Haas, driver by Magnussen was also 10th, making for a decent recovery after some struggles for the team on Friday.

Nico Hulkenberg in 8th and Lando Norris in 9th were the only Renault powered cars in the top 10. Both men weren't even that far ahead of their respective team mates in terms of times, but it did mean that Ricciardo and Sainz were 12th and 13th only.

With only 4 tenths splitting P5 to P13, the qualifying battle to get into the top 10 is likely going to be intense.