Hami too hot during warm-up

Budapest, July 24: Defending world champion Lewis Hamilton topped the times ahead of Daniil Kvyat of Red Bull in Friday’s second free practice session ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

On an eventful day, just 72 hours after the funeral of Jules Bianchi, Hamilton led the way as the drivers demonstrated their respect for the 25year-old Frenchman who died last Friday by pulling down their visors and showing total commitment.

In searing heat that reached 50 degrees Celsius on the pit wall, Hamilton, who is seeking a record fifth Formula One win on one of his favourite circuits, recorded a best lap time of one minute and 23.949 seconds to outpace the Russian by 0.351 seconds. “That was very good fun,” said Hamilton.

“But I cannot tell you how hot it is out there. The heat is so intense. It is like driving in a sauna with this racing suit on, and the thermal underwear, and so hot!

“And it is not easy. This is a challenging circuit and that is how it should be, but it would be good if it is not so hot on Sunday for the race. I feel I must have lost at least a kilo out there in that session,” he added.

The 30-year-old Briton leads his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg by 17 points in the title race.

Kvyat’s lap was an endorsement of Red Bull’s improved showing on the tight, twisty and technical circuit that suited their car. His teammate, Australian Daniel Ricciardo, was half a second adrift to take third ahead of Rosberg, in fourth place. Asked about seeing the two Red Bulls separating him from Rosberg, Hamilton smiled. “That’s good — the more the merrier!”