Jolyon Palmer endured another disrupted Free Practice One session (October 9), as track contamination issues in Russia limited the Lotus F1 Team Third and Reserve Driver to just three timed laps in Sochi. No representative times were set by any driver in the field as conditions on circuit failed to significantly improve before the end of the session.

The track action was delayed by 30 minutes due to a diesel spillage which covered much of the 3.63-mile circuit. The clock started at its scheduled start time to begin the 90 minute session, but the pit-lane remained closed whilst marshals worked to clean the track surface; the cars were eventually allowed to enter the track with 60 minutes remaining in Free Practice One.

Once the green light appeared at the end of the pit-lane, Jolyon completed two installation laps, punctuated by a quick pit stop, to run through systems checks on the E23 Hybrid. The Southwater driver repeated this routine with 20 minutes remaining in the session, without setting a timed lap.

Jolyon, who claimed the 2014 GP2 Series title in Sochi last year, took to the track on soft Pirelli tyres with only six minutes remaining, and managed to set just three timed laps on the slippery circuit.

Jolyon said: "That was another frustrating session. A big diesel spill before the start meant the track was extremely wet and slippery in a couple of corners, so we didn't do a lot of running. Finally getting out with five minutes remaining there wasn't a lot to be learnt in those conditions. It was nice to get some laps in but it's most important to make sure I get the car around without drama as I now have to sadly hand it back to Romain."

Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director for Lotus F1 Team, said: "We experienced a delayed start to our FP1 session today in Sochi which did interrupt our programme. Nevertheless, Jolyon delivered everything expected of him through our curtailed session at what can be something of a tricky circuit to get on top of."

Russian Grand Prix - Free Practice One - Result

1. Nico Hulkenberg, Force India, 1m44.355s
2. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1m44.407s
3. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 1m44.986s
4. Sergio Perez, Force India, 1m45.146s
5. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull, 1m45.233s
6. Carlos Sainz, Toro Rosso, 1m45.488s
7. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1m45.691s
8. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1m45.746s
9. Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso, 1m46.203s
10. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1m46.215s
11. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1m46.231s
12. Felipe Massa, Williams, 1m46.333s
13. Felipe Nasr, Sauber, 1m46.747s
14. Fernando Alonso, McLaren, 1m47.443s
15. Pastor Maldonado, Lotus F1 Team, 1m48.006s
16. Daniil Kvyat, Red Bull, 1m48.096s
17. Jolyon Palmer, Lotus F1 Team, 1m49.094s
18. Roberto Merhi, Manor, 1m52.994s
19. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber, 1m54.272s
20. Will Stevens, Manor, 1m58.254s