Massa defends Stroll after practice crash

Felipe Massa has defended teammate Lance Stroll after the Canadian came under fire following practice in Monaco. Stroll crashed out of the session after hitting the barriers at the top of the hill and was the only driver to succumb to the walls.

"I think a lot of drivers touched the barriers today," said Stroll. "On the positive side, it was my first time on this track and I had good pace. I touched the barriers but at least I know I attacked and have something to work on for Saturday."

Many jumped at the opportunity to criticise the rookie, however, Massa has defended him stating that it is always tough coming to Monaco for the first time.

"It's his first weekend in Monaco and many drivers have accidents," the Brazilian said. "Perhaps we should just say 'Welcome to Monaco!' Today Lance did a good laptime, he was more competitive than in Barcelona, so that's a positive. But of course Monaco is Monaco and Lance must understand that a mistake here can cost him his session," Massa added.

Also under pressure so far in 2017 is Renault's Jolyon Palmer, amid speculation the French team might actually be on the verge of ousting him. Yesterday, his second practice session was hampered when his engine gave up.

 "A year ago I was in the guard rail and I thought 'Something has to change'. I still think so today. I just need to have a weekend where everything goes normally. I've had more technical problems this season than last season, when more of the problems I was having were about me. I'm disappointed with how it's going, but I don't give up," Palmer added.

Fergal Walsh