Nico Rosberg fastest as Formula One returns to Mexico for first time since 1992
Large crowds welcome sport back to the country
Nico Rosberg set the fastest time for Mercedes in Mexican Grand Prix practice on Friday as large crowds welcomed Formula One back to the country after a 23-year absence.
The German, who is fighting for second place in a championship already won by team mate Lewis Hamilton, lapped the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit with a best of one minute 21.531 seconds.
"It feels like a kart circuit with a lot of very tight corners and the two stadiums are really spectacular with all the fans," said Rosberg.
Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo were second and third on the timesheets with rain falling later in the afternoon.
Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen, who was not even born last time Formula One raced in Mexico in 1992, brought out red flags with a crash at the final corner in the afternoon after setting the pace in the morning session.
