Russell has failed to score points in the last two Formula 1 grands prix after a terminal engine problem in Canada and a speeding penalty which led to a team blunder and another penalty in Monaco.
It has left the British driver 68 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who missed first practice in Barcelona as Mercedes were one of seven teams to run rookies in their cars - something the teams have to do four times during the season.
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Russell was quickest on the medium and soft tyre runs, ending the session two tenths faster than Oscar Piastri who ran a new front wing on his McLaren.
McLaren have also had a difficult last two races but are hoping the return to a more conventional circuit will see them challenge Mercedes and potentially end the Silver Arrows' unbeaten run on Sundays this year.
Ferrari have brought the biggest upgrade package to Barcelona, including a new floor and front wing, but Charles Leclerc was 0.520s slower than Russell.
There will also be some head scratching at Red Bull as Max Verstappen was six tenths off the pace.
More to follow...
Sky Sports F1's Barcelona-Catalunya GP schedule
Friday June 12
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)*
5.30pm: The F1 Show
6.30pm: Team Bosses' Press Conference
Saturday June 13
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Barcelona-Catalunya GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint*
2.15pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GP QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook
Sunday June 14
7.35am: F3 Feature Race
9.05am: Porsche Supercup
10.20am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
2pm: THE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP reaction: Chequered Flag
5pm: Ted's Notebook
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Spain for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with live coverage on Sky Sports F1. Sunday's race starts at 2pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime
