Lewis Hamilton set a blistering pace to top the opening day of practice for the inaugural Russian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver dominated the second 90 minute free practice session at the new Sochi street circuit to end the day eight tenths quicker than the rapidly improving McLaren of Kevin Magnussen.

Hamilton proved to be a cut above the rest in the session posting a personal best time of 1.39.630s on soft compound tyres, which was 0.864s faster than his nearest rival.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was third while Hamilton’s title rival Nico Rosberg, who topped the opening free practice session, was fourth almost a second adrift of his Mercedes team-mate.

Williams’ Valtteri Bottas was fifth ahead of McLaren’s Jenson Button and Felipe Massa.

Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo endured a session to forget with the Australian’s RB10 grinding to halt after losing power in the closing stages of FP2.

Smoke bellowed from the airbox as the 25-year-old clambered out of the car. He ended the session in 13^th position overall.

With the Formula 1 circus under a cloud following Jules Bianchi’s horrific accident at the Japanese Grand Prix, Ricciardo admitted it was hard to focus on the task in hand.

“After what happened in Japan, you try and do the best you can,” said Ricciardo.

“I would be lying if I said other things weren’t on my mind, but you do what you can to make sure you’re 100 percent committed to driving and that’s the best way for our job and our headspace.

“It’s the best way, but it was tricky and not as easy as I expected.

“It was our last Friday with that engine, so it’s not a worry that she turned off at the end there.

“We tried a few settings and we’re not so fast here, the straights are long and we’re suffering a bit.”

The solitary Marussia of Max Chilton ended the session in 20th position.

Free Practice 2 Results

Free Practice 1 Results