Ricciardo sixth after F1 practice drama

Daniel Ricciardo will start from sixth in Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix after a hydraulics issue cut his earlier practice session short in Budapest.

Daniel Ricciardo.

Daniel Ricciardo will start from the third row in Hungary after earlier mechanical issues. (AAP)

Australia's Daniel Ricciardo will start from sixth on the grid in the Hungarian Grand Prix after a suspected hydraulics problem cut short his practice.

The Red Bull driver, who was fastest in practice on Friday, didn't make it through Saturday's session but recovered for qualifying.

Ferrari's championship leader Sebastian Vettel qualified fastest, denying title rival Lewis Hamilton a record-equalling 68th pole position.

"The car has been incredible all day. We made a good step forward. I like this track a lot and it's been really enjoyable," Vettel told dpa.

The German's Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen sealed the Ferrari front-row lockout.

"It's a front row for us so we're looking forward to tomorrow. Nothing changed overnight," Vettel, whose championship lead over Hamilton was cut to one point after a disappointing seventh at Silverstone, said.

"The last race wasn't great for us but that doesn't matter now. I'm very happy where we are as a team.

"The main task comes tomorrow. Nothing has been won today."

Hamilton, one point behind Vettel in the standings and a five-time winner in Hungary, will start from a disappointing fourth place on the grid and alongside his Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas.

Hamilton had been hoping to match Michael Schumacher's all-time pole record and had set the fastest lap of the second phase of qualifying

Ricciardo was forced to pull over at the 30-minute mark with a suspected hydraulics problem.

"Everything turned off," he said over the radio, with the team telling him not to change gear after he reported the car was stuck in fifth gear.

British reserve driver Paul Di Resta will have his first F1 start in almost four years after Felipe Massa cut his session short. The Brazilian felt unwell and had been taken to hospital but started Saturday's session.

Williams confirmed that the veteran had wanted to stop as he was still not feeling well.

"I'm ready to pounce if he needs a stand in," the Scot told Sky Sports television.

"You're very anxious. Nervous but very excited. You go straight in the deep end. It's a tricky little track. You have to be very committed and confident."


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Source: AAP



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