BERLIN, Oct 9 (Bernama-dpa) -- George Russell topped the sole practice session for the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix ahead of the sprint qualifying later on Friday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
The Mercedes driver clocked the fastest time of 1 minute 32.274 seconds, beating the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc by 0.198 seconds. Defending champion Lando Norris of McLaren was third.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was only seventh in the other Mercedes, behind the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
Verstappen, who won the Bahrain GP in Malaysia last weekend, had his practice affected by a radio issue, which kept him out of the track for most of the session.
Antonelli tops the standings with an 84-point advantage over team-mate Russell and seven races to go.
F1 ruling body FIA has said that the smog from wildfires in Indonesia post no threat to the race.
However, it added that, should the air pollution get worse, there could be restrictions on outdoor activities, primarily affecting entertainment options, but less so the paddock and the racetrack.
Severe haze from rampant forest and peatland fires in Indonesia has blanketed major parts of Southeast Asia.
-- BERNAMA-dpa