F1: Sainz, Kvyat fastest in practice sessions in Japan

By Chase Wilhelm
Published

Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz led the first free practice session for the Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course, while Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat was fastest in FP2.

Drivers faced rainy, slick conditions throughout both practice sessions in Japan on Friday.

Coming off his third win of the season, Sebastian Vettel posted the fourth fastest time in FP1 and was good for fifth in FP2, but he was still almost two seconds slower than Kvyat.

After struggling last weekend in Singapore, Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton finished FP2 second and third, respectively. Rosberg was over a half second faster than his teammate in both practice sessions.

Daniel Ricciardo posted the fourth fastest time in FP2, almost a second slower than his Red Bull Racing teammate Kvyat.

FP1 and FP2 results: