The third practice session ahead of the Russian Grand Prix was stopped after a major crash involving Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz.

Ahead of Turn 13, the left side of Sainz's car skidded into the fence before his Toro Rosso ploughed forward into the barrier.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, there was concern for the Spaniard, who was tended to at the scene by medics, but shortly afterwards, the 21-year-old was pictured giving the thumbs up to media and supporters as he was carted into the back of an ambulance.

With the session coming to an early conclusion, Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg topped the standings, with teammate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton in third spot.

Full standings:

1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2. Valtteri Bottas (Williams)
3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
4. Sergio Perez (Force India)
5. Felipe Massa (Williams)
6. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)
7. Jenson Button (McLaren)
8. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus)
9. Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
10. Felipe Nasr (Sauber)
11. Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull)
12. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
13. Romain Grosjean (Lotus)
14. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber)
15. Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso)
16. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
17. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso)
18. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
19. Roberto Merhi (Marussia)
20. Will Stevens (Marussia)