Daniel Ricciardo tops first practice at rain-hit Silverstone

Silverstone: The first practice of the British Grand Prix has been disrupted by rain, with most of the big names remaining in the paddock on Friday.

Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap of 1:54.249 followed by Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg, who was 0.784 seconds off the pace. Williams driver Pastor Maldonado was third fastest.

The track remained empty for most of the 90-minute session while it rained on Silverstone.

Expecting dryer conditions this weekend, teams gambled they would learn little from a wet track.

Half the drivers went out in the session, though Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was the only title contender to set a lap time.

Several drivers struggled with the wet track including Caterham's Charles Pic, who slid into a wall. He was unhurt.