Follow as-it-happens coverage of the opening free practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix from the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez thanks to F1i’s comprehensive live page.
The Mexico event made a popular return to the Formula One calendar 12 months ago and is hosting round 19 of this year’s world championship this weekend.
Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg leads the title race by 26 points from team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who is coming off a strong win in Austin last Sunday. It’s still Rosberg’s championship to lose, given the fact that the German can afford to settle for second place in the three remaining contests this year.
The current points leader will look to emulate his success from last year where he led Hamilton from start to finish in Mexico after beating the Briton to pole position on Saturday afternoon.
Behind the Mercedes duo, the battle rages on between Red Bull and Ferrari for second place in the Constructors’ championship. While the Scuderia had the upper hand in Suzuka, its rivals from Milton Keynes replied with a strong showing at COTA, despite seeing Max Verstappen retire with a gearbox issue.
Speaking of power units, these will come under extra pressure in Mexico due to the high altitude - the track is located some 2,200 meters above sea level.
The fight for fourth place in the Constructors’ standings is even tighter, with only eight points splitting Force India and Williams. For his home race, Sergio Perez will be keen to increase the gap, while team-mate Nico Hulkenberg will look to leave his series of first-lap DNFs behind him.
Local fans will be treated to a second home favourite this year in Haas’ Esteban Gutierrez. The 25-year-old has yet to announce his plans for 2017 and issued a two-week deadline to his team, saying he and his backers are “strongly considering” options outside Haas.
At the back of the field, Sauber is still pushing to open its 2016 points tally and overhaul F1 minnows Manor in the fight for 10th place and associated prize money in the Constructors’ race.
Track action at the Mexican GP gets under way at 10:00 local time (16:00 BST) for the first 90-minute practice session. We'll be bringing you all the important news and information on our dedicated live page.
LIVE: FP1 for the Mexican Grand Prix
Chris Medland's 2016 Mexican Grand Prix preview
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