Maxime Martin tops final practice in Hockenheim

BMW Motorsport driver Maxime Martin set the fastest lap during the third and final free practice session at Hockenheim.

The Belgian clocked a best lap of 1:31.777 in cold and changeable conditions, with drops of rain falling during the second part of the session, with rain is expected for most of the day.

Mike Rockenfeller was second for Audi Sport, after a final push in the latter part of the session from the Ingolstadt-based squad. The 2013 champion was followed by Jamie Green, who was 0.366 seconds behind his team-mate.

Bruno Spengler was fourth for BMW, with Audi drivers Nico Müller, René Rast, Mattias Ekström and Loic Duval next.

Tom Blomqvist and Marco Wittmann completed the top ten for BMW, with the reigning champion just over a second off the pace.

Gary Paffett was 11th and best-placed driver for Mercedes Motorsport, with yesterday’s winner Lucas Auer in 15th and 1.655 seconds off the pace.

The teams worked on by strategy preparation for today’s qualifying and race, which are set to take place under very different conditions from yesterday. Mercedes’ Robert Wickens, who was 18th and last, said: “We are very happy about the work we have done today and the outcome of the final free practice.”

Qualifying for Race 2 is scheduled for 12:20 CET.