Russell explains 'sketchy' moments in Spanish GP practice

George Russell has pinned hopes on Mercedes being able to find overnight 'gains' after struggling during the Formula 1 free practice sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Briton was one of several drivers to report "bouncing" in some of the higher-speed sections of the circuit, with teams having to battle against resurfacing porpoising issues.

With porpoising comments appearing to reduce for FP2, the Mercedes driver confirmed that the team dialled out the issue with setup tweaks.

"I think we were just pushing the ride height of the car," Russell told media, including RacingNews365.com, when asked about the issue.

"We solved it for the second half of the session just by lifting it a little bit. It's really bumpy through that final corner. It's a little bit sketchy through there, but the same for everyone.

"We'll see what we learn tonight, I think definitely we can find some gains. There's a few surprises out there today, but I'm sure the story will be slightly different tomorrow, and again on Sunday."

Russell: There's no fight for Pole

When discussing the team's chances for Saturday qualifying, Russell suggested that the fight for Pole Position would be a foregone conclusion, and expected the W14 to struggle in single-lap pace.

"I don't think there's a fight for Pole with anyone on this grid, so that's the way things are at the moment," added Russell.

"I think it's going to be tight, there's a few cars who are definitely fast on a Saturday. I think the Alpines are looking really strong, so between us, Ferrari and Alpine it's probably going to be tight.

"Nico [Hulkenberg] was really quick today, I don't know where that [FP2 lap] came from, but we saw that in Miami Kevin [Magnussen] qualified ahead of us for Haas, but then things changed on Sunday.

"I don't expect us to be having an incredible day tomorrow, but I certainly expect us to be having a better Sunday than Saturday. So that's what we're gearing up for."