Sainz tops final practice session for Spanish GP
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz put in the best lap time during the third and final practice session for Formula One's Spanish Grand Prix.
Lando Norris in his McLaren was next, followed by Sainz's teammate Charles Leclerc.
Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull.
Practice was held early on Saturday (local time), with qualifying for Sunday's race to be held later at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Sainz is aiming to impress at his home race as he decides his future. Ferrari have left him without a seat for 2025 after renewing Leclerc's contract and stunning the F1 world by luring Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes.
It was a hectic morning for Norris. His McLaren team had to evacuate their hospitality suite because of a fire shortly before practice started.
Then, once on the track, the British driver made contact with Leclerc's Ferrari. Stewards investigated the incident before deciding not take disciplinary action.
Hamilton also had a brush with Aston Martin's Lance Stroll.
The British driver had set the fastest time for the two practice sessions held on Friday.
Pole-sitters have won 24 of the 33 F1 races held at the 4.6-km track located just north of Barcelona.
Verstappen has won five of the seven races he has started from pole position in 2024.
He also won in Canada two weeks ago after starting second behind pole-sitter George Russell in his Mercedes.
Verstappen, the three-time defending world champion, holds a 56-point lead over Leclerc.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails