Hulkenberg tops in Russian GP first practice

Mercedes driver Nico Hulkenberg emerged as the fastest driver in the opening practice session of this weekend's Russian Grand Prix on Friday.

The German driver was 0.052 seconds quicker than rival and compatriot Nico Rosberg of Mercedes, Sport24 reported.

Meanwhile, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel finished the race in the third place, ahead of Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India and Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo.

Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton could only finish at the seventh place after a session that saw him avoiding any contact with the barriers.

Earlier, the opening session was delayed by thirty minutes due to a diesel spillage by a circuit-cleaning vehicle on the Sochi's Olympic Park.