How Russian Grand Prix practice unfolded

1. Bottas fastest, Verstappen spins in second practice
2. Hamilton could equal Schumacher's 91 race win record in Sochi
3. Domenicali announced as new F1 boss
4. Get involved #bbcf1
5. Bottas fastest, Sainz and Latifi suffer crashes in first session

Bottas fastest in first & second practice

That's all from us today! For full details on today's practice read Andrew Benson's report. Valtteri Bottas was fastest on another strong day for Mercedes. Daniel Ricciardo looks like being the best of the rest.

For more on Stefano Domenicali's appointment as the new boss of F1 click here.

Join us from 9:30 BST on Saturday for FP3.

Getty Images

Here are the full standings from that session...

If you're wondering third practice is at 10:00 BST tomorrow with qualifying following at 13:00 BST.

Can anyone keep up with Mercedes?

Jolyon Palmer

Former Renault driver on BBC Radio 5 live

Mercedes are going to win this race by a lap. Behind them there is more of pecking order. McLaren did a good job. Renault's Ricciardo looks strong.

Top 10

1. Bot: 1:33.519

2. Ham +0.267

3. Ric +1.058

4. Sai +1.204

5. Nor +1.328

6. Per +1.371

7. Ver +1.529

8. Lec +1.533

9. Oco +1.620

10. Vet +1.664

Chequered flag

Second practice of the Russian Grand Prix is over.

Valtteri Bottas finishes fastest with team-mate Lewis Hamilton second.

Lewis Hamilton is told to head back to the pits after he says the vibrations in his car have got too much.

Just a matter of seconds to go.

Bottas is currently the fastest driver on track as teams test out the cars on a long run. Max Verstappen is second in a small boost for the Dutchman at the end of a tough day.

There are just five minutes to go in second practice now. It's still a lovely day in Sochi to be watching F1 in the sunshine.

Mercedes are still well clear at the top with not a lot between Bottas and Hamilton.

Get Involved

Fidster Photography: I'm glad to see Stefano back in F1 if a little surprised by the role. Was sad to see him & Martin Whitmarsh go when they did (though Whitmarsh no surprise after Honda) as they seemed to be a new generation of openly honest Team Principals, from the era of Ron, Flav & Todt.

Jennie Gow

BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

I think a lot of people will be saying it is a Ferrari bias in F1 but the spotlight will be shined upon them. If there was any favouring Ferrari it would be called out immediately.

Andrew Benson

BBC Sport’s chief F1 writer on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

I know Stefano Domenicali is incredibly well respected in Formula 1. The teams are pleased with his appointment.

Jolyon Palmer

Former Renault driver on BBC Radio 5 live

There have been a lot of lock ups all day. It could be a feature of the weekend.

Valtteri Bottas is still top of the timesheet as drivers continue with their long runs. There are 15 minutes remaining.

Let me know your thoughts on the appointment of Stefano Domenicali as the new boss of F1 from next year.

Jolyon Palmer

Former Renault driver on BBC Radio 5 live

My position is fairly sceptical but I would like to be proven wrong. Liberty have done a lot for F1. My point is will the pay gap between teams come down? Will Ferrari get less money? It is a very old school appointment rather than progressive.

Jolyon Palmer

Former Renault driver on BBC Radio 5 live

It feels like a great job for Domenicali. I didn't seem it coming.

Jennie Gow

BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

From my experience of working with Domenicali and having to ask questions he is a really good guy. I think he will do very well in that job.

It is a bold and good appointment for F1.

BreakingDomenicali to become new boss of Formula 1

Some breaking news for you. Formula1 have confirmed the news we brought you earlier this week.

Former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali is to become the new boss of Formula 1 next year.

"Some tape or something but I don't know if it is something important," Bottas says.

Valtteri Bottas says on the team radio that something in his cockpit is catching his left hand and stopping him from turning his steering wheel.

That doesn't sound ideal when you're flying around at 200mph.