British Grand Prix - Valtteri Bottas quickest in first session in rain-hit action at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton second

Valtteri Bottas was quickest with Lewis Hamilton in second in a rain-hit first session on Friday at the British Grand Prix. After three consecutive street circuits, the move to Silverstone offered drivers a chance to race on a traditional circuit, with a less constricted feel offered by wider gravel traps and spectators set back further from the action.

Ad/> The session was best by showers of rain and gusts of strong wind which stopped drivers from finding their best pace, but with FP2 set to be drier, it gave them a chance to get out and jog their memory on the turns. British Grand PrixRussell: Mercedes is like 'riding an old bike with no suspension'2 HOURS AGO Before the action, Mercedes’ George Russell had described his vehicle as like ‘riding an old bike’ but the German team — along with most of the paddock — brought with them a string of alterations and upgrades as they continue to wrestle with porpoising and other rule changes from the previous season.

Charles Leclerc was looking for an improved showing from Ferrari after he finished fifth in Montreal, though his teammate Carlos Sainz finished second in Canada — and was third quickest in FP1. Leclerc was just behind in fourth in Friday's first effort.

«We have been quite strong in the past here,» Leclerc said to Sky Sports. Russell: Mercedes is like 'riding an old bike with no suspension' Verstappen insists Piquet is 'not a racist' as Hamilton hits out at 'older voices' Piquet apologises for Hamilton comments but denies racist intent «I love this track and I've also been quite strong in the past here, so hopefully the combination of the two will make us win on Sunday.

»It's obviously a really important month before the break. We are quite far behind in the drivers'