The final hour of practice was relatively quiet, drivers just getting on with the task of understanding the differences between the two tyre compounds, and practicing for their short runs in qualifying. Hamilton was on top for the third session in a row, with Rosberg behind him. Kimi Räikkönen couldn’t post a fast time as his Ferrari suffered a leak but Vettel’s form up in third will have eased the team’s fears.

Force India were back in action and Nico Hülkenberg made the most of his laps, topping the time at one point but settling for sixth place by the end of the session. Williams were outside the top ten, but have been known to disguise their pace in practice sessions.