Mercedes' Hamilton sets F1 practice pace
Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has again set the Formula One benchmark by topping practice for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
The Mercedes star clocked one minute 23.59 seconds in the opening 90-minute session that featured a red flag, just 0.03 of a second ahead of four-time world champ Sebastian Vettel with his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc third fastest.
Australian star Daniel Ricciardo made an underwhelming Renault debut, sitting in 17th spot in the 20-strong field ahead of Friday's final practice session from 1600 AEDT.
