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Valtteri Bottas tops the only practice session ahead of qualifying for 2020 Eifel GP

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Valtteri Bottas (Albert Gea / Getty Images)
Valtteri Bottas (Albert Gea / Getty Images)
Albert Gea

Valtteri Bottas set the fastest time in practice ahead of qualifying.

• The cold weather influenced the track's grip levels negatively.

• Charles Leclerc went third fastest for Ferrari.

For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za

Valtteri Bottas set the fastest time in the only practice session for this weekend's Eifel Grand Prix. Following the first two practice sessions that could not take place due to bad weather, the skies cleared up and brought about ideal conditions for drivers to take to the track.

However, conditions were not ideal as a cold track meant that grip levels were low. It proved to be little worry for most as lap times improved as the grip increased, too.

Bottas and his Mercedes team mate, Lewis Hamilton, set competitive times late into the session, but it was enough for both men to top the session. The surprise was Ferrari's Charles Leclerc who managed to go third fastest.

Early pace

Once the session got underway, drivers leapt out of their pit boxes to set about getting much-needed laps under their belts. It was the Red Bull drivers, Max Verstappen and Alex Albon, who set the initial pace, but they were soon toppled as grip levels improved.

As the session prolonged, several drivers saw their name at the top of the chart. The Mercedes drivers, though, initially seemed off the pace - especially given how many times Hamilton went off the track - but they found their rhythm and would end the session with their names at the top of the chart.

WRAP: 2020 Eifel Grand Prix - Valtteri Bottas tops third and only practice session

Over at Racing Point, the team announced that Lance Stroll was not well and would sit out the session. The team called in the services of German Nico Hulkenberg, who arrived at the track in his Porsche 911 GT2 RS; a car he bought from Nico Rosberg's father, Keke, just a few months ago.

Hulkenberg replaced Stroll's team mate, Sergio Perez, a few months ago after the Mexican tested positive for Covid-19. It is not yet known what the matter with Stroll is, but Hulkenberg will line up for Racing Point in qualifying, as well as the race tomorrow, if Stroll is unable to participate in the remainder of the weekend.

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