Ericsson shunt mars FP3 at Silverstone

The third practice session ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix was marred by a huge crash involving Marcus Ericsson and poor weather at Silverstone, as Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time once again.

There was little activity in the first half of FP3, after morning rain had resulted in a damp track.

Sauber driver Ericsson then prompted concern as he slammed into the barriers at Stowe Corner - the force of the impact bringing the Swede's steering wheel away in his hands.

Ericsson thankfully avoided serious injury and was able to climb out of his severely damaged car to receive attention from medical personnel as the session was red flagged.

Only five minutes remained once the drivers were cleared to return to the track, with reigning world champion Hamilton again quickest, marginally ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

The Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen finished third and fourth, albeit more than half a second behind Hamilton.

Sebastian Vettel took fifth despite an apparent gearbox issue with his Ferrari, while McLaren's Fernando Alonso enjoyed an encouraging session as he posted the seventh-quickest time.