Bottas tops final practice in Austria

F1 Grand Prix, GP Austria, Red Bull Ring

Valtteri Bottas set the fastest time in third practice for the Austrian Grand Prix. The Williams driver topped Lewis Hamilton in the closing seconds of the session with team mate Felipe Massa being third fastest.

The final practice session ahead of qualifying again got started with the usual installation laps, with Button the last to complete his, nearly 10 minutes into the session.

By that time, Rosberg was already out for a timed lap, along with Magnussen who subsequently had a major lockup on his first quick lap. A few minutes later Maldonado runs off the track without harm, followed by Sutil who reported to be struggling with front end grip.

Button then also had a moment as an issue with engine braking forced him back into the pits where he was greeted by a number of mechanics armed with fire extinguishers.

Following improvements on top of the timesheet from both Williams cars, Rosberg is the last one to improve before the super soft tyres are brought out during the final 15 minutes. This proved to be a battle between Mercedes and Williams, with in the end Bottas recording the best time, ahead of Hamilton and team mate Massa.