Vettel heads the pack in Shanghai
Red Bull driver dominates practice ahead of Chinese Grand Prix.
SHANGHAI:
World Championship leader Sebastian Vettel set the pace in practice for the Chinese Grand Prix, topping the timesheets in both sessions in Shanghai in his speedy Red Bull.
The 23-year-old German, the reigning world champion, has been the dominant force in the opening two races of the year, winning both in Australia and Malaysia from pole position.
He again stayed ahead of the field at the Shanghai International Circuit, leading Australian teammate Mark Webber by six-tenths of a second in morning practice.
While Briton Lewis Hamilton was within 0.166 seconds of Vettel in the afternoon session for McLaren, Vettel still finished with the fastest lap of the day with a time of one minute and 37.688 seconds.
“We found a good rhythm and we’re happy with the car,” said Vettel.
“There’s still a lot to do and I think it will be tight, so we’ll look where we can improve.”
Hamilton praises Red Bull
McLaren’s Hamilton, who hinted that he could leave in search of more success if the British team cannot provide him with a car capable of winning multiple world championships, said the Red Bulls were again in firm charge.
“I have been really struggling with the balance of my car, and I don’t know if that’s because of the upgrade that we have, or whether it’s with the set-up,” said the 26-year-old.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2011.
World Championship leader Sebastian Vettel set the pace in practice for the Chinese Grand Prix, topping the timesheets in both sessions in Shanghai in his speedy Red Bull.
The 23-year-old German, the reigning world champion, has been the dominant force in the opening two races of the year, winning both in Australia and Malaysia from pole position.
He again stayed ahead of the field at the Shanghai International Circuit, leading Australian teammate Mark Webber by six-tenths of a second in morning practice.
While Briton Lewis Hamilton was within 0.166 seconds of Vettel in the afternoon session for McLaren, Vettel still finished with the fastest lap of the day with a time of one minute and 37.688 seconds.
“We found a good rhythm and we’re happy with the car,” said Vettel.
“There’s still a lot to do and I think it will be tight, so we’ll look where we can improve.”
Hamilton praises Red Bull
McLaren’s Hamilton, who hinted that he could leave in search of more success if the British team cannot provide him with a car capable of winning multiple world championships, said the Red Bulls were again in firm charge.
“I have been really struggling with the balance of my car, and I don’t know if that’s because of the upgrade that we have, or whether it’s with the set-up,” said the 26-year-old.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2011.