Hamilton edges Raikkonen in China practice

SHANGHAI: Lewis Hamilton set the pace for Mercedes in free practice on Friday at the Chinese Grand Prix but fierce rivals Ferrari were just a whisker behind as the teams headed for another clash in this weekend’s race.The British reigning world champion topped the time sheet with a best lap of one minute and 33.482 seconds in Shanghai, just .007 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in windy, moist conditions.Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas was third, followed by season points leader Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.The annual battle between the sport’s two giants has taken on an unexpected complexion, with Mercedes anxious for a win in Shanghai on Sunday after Vettel stunned the champions with wins in both Australia and Bahrain.A mere 0.108 seconds separated the top four in Friday’s practice.Hamilton said it was “good to see all the times so close.”“But it means that we really need to bring our A game. We need everyone in the team to be on it throughout the weekend because it’s a joint effort.”Added Bottas: “It’s looking extremely close again with them (Ferrari) so I think tomorrow is going to be a close qualifying and for sure Sunday as well.”

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