René Rast fastest in final practice at the Hungaroring

Audi driver René Rast set the fastest time in the third and final practice session at the Hungaroring, in a session marked by a number of off-track excursions by many drivers.

The Team Rosberg drivers dominated the session, with Rast setting a best lap time of 1:35.802, followed by team-mate Jamie Green just 0.052 seconds behind.

Audi’s domination continued with Team Abt’s Nico Müller and Team Phoenix’ Mike Rockenfeller next up, with the 2013 champion 0.199 seconds behind Rast.

Lucas Auer was in fifth position, the best-placed Mercedes AMG, six-tenths off the pace, with the Austrian on a mission to finish in the points today after missing out yesterday.

The Audis of Mattias Ekström and Loïc Duval followed, with the Mercedes AMGs of Gary Paffett, Paul Di Resta and Maro Engel completing the top ten.

BMW had a quiet session, with the Bavarian manufacturer focussing on race performance, having shifted the focus from qualifying.

The heat and warm conditions caused lack of grip for many drivers, with Audi’s Mattias Ekström and Loïc Duval going wide at Turn 11, hitting the corner markers. BMW’s Timo Glock slid at Turn 14 at the half session mark, causing a momentary yellow flag. Mercedes’ Edo Mortara also struggled to keep his Mercedes on the track.

After the session was finished, drivers performed practice starts, as well as a slow zone practice at section two of the circuit.

The qualifying session is scheduled for 12:00 CET.