Practice was delayed by half an hour at the start of the day due to an oil spillage that occurred just before the session was about to get underway. When the running did take place, it was on a slippery track in places, with dusty sections also complicated things. Eventually drivers did take to the circuit but it was only to complete nine or ten laps each.

Nico Hülkenberg was fastest ahead of his fellow Nico in the Mercedes. Ferrari were third, with Force India's Sergio Pérez rounding out the top four. Hamilton was further back in seventh place.