Sims fastest on GP3 return-963

Alexander Sims grabbed the headlines on his return to the GP3 Series on Friday afternoon by immediately topping free practice at the Nurburgring.

The 24-year-old Briton, who last raced in the series in 2011, returned to Status GP in place of Adderly Fong, who is racing in China this weekend. His last open-wheel start was in the Macau GP last year.

Sims topped the session with a late flying lap by 0.14sec ahead of Carlin's Eric Lichtenstein. Dino Zamparelli was third fastest for Manor, from fellow Brits Jack Harvey, Lewis Williamson and Nick Yelloly.

Points leader Tio Ellinas was seventh, ahead of David Fumanelli and Silverstone race two winner Giovanni Venturini.