Sam Bird set the pace in a scorching hot GP2 free practice session in Hungary.

The Russian Time driver ended the 30-minute session over three tenths faster than his closest rival, Caterham’s Sergio Canamasas.

Tom Dillmann underlined the pace of the Russian Time car by recording the third-best time.

ART’s James Calado was fourth fastest, despite his session lasting just seven laps before he spun and stalled.

Fellow title contender Carlin’s Felipe Nasr also spun on his opening lap and did not set a time.

Rapax’s points leader Stefano Colletti was back in 15th.

On his first outing for Hilmer, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs was 19th, while Dani Clos, who took over at MP Motorsport, was 22nd despite a quick spin.