Ricciardo fourth in British GP practice

Daniel Ricciardo is on track to continue his run of consistent Formula One form after the first practice session of the British Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo is fourth fastest after the opening practice session of the British Grand Prix. (AAP)

Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo has posted the fourth fastest time in the opening practice session of the British Grand Prix.

Ricciardo clocked 1min29.942secs to finish just behind Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen in fourth place.

Mercedes made a statement of intent with Vatteri Bottas beating home favourite Lewis Hamilton to be the fastest for the session.

"Mercedes look really strong but we look to be in the fight with Ferrari," Ricciardo said.

"At the moment we're battling Ferrari and not Mercedes."

Ricciardo will be after his sixth podium in a row as the Formula One season continues at Silverstone on Sunday.

Hamilton, who will be chasing his fifth British Grand Prix victory and fourth in a row on Sunday, was 0.078 off his team mate's best time of one minute 29.106 seconds.

Bottas's time was quicker than Hamilton's 2016 pole position of 1:29.287.