Nico Rosberg topped the timing sheets at the end of the First Free Practice session for the 2014 British GP.

The second of the Mercedes Lewis Hamilton ended second fastest time but remained seven and a half tenths off Rosberg’s pace. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso clocked the fourth fastest time ahead Daniel Ricciardo and teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

All eyes were on Williams development driver Susie Wolff as she became the first woman in twenty-two years to take part in an official Formula 1 session. An initial flying lap in the mid 44s would be the only lap that the Scot would register as an oil pressure and engine issue brought her run to a premature end.

Despite the disappointment Wolff cherished the opportunity to get out on track and gracefully accepted that sometimes motorsport is a tad unfair. Wolff will be out for Williams again at Hockenheim in preparation for the German grand prix.

The misery continued for the Grove based team when Felipe Massa destroyed his Williams after dipping a wheel on to the artificial turf. The car sustained severe damage to all four corners and will have to undergo significant repair work. Massa celebrates his 200th F1 race this weekend.