Massa quickest in practice

Defending champion Vettel finishes 18th ahead of British GP.

SILVERSTONE:

Felipe Massa topped the times for Ferrari during the afternoon’s rain-soaked second practice for the British Grand Prix. Heavy rain drenched the Silverstone circuit early during the session and prevented drivers from setting times.

However, the 30 year-old Brazilian, fifth fastest in the morning, clocked 1:49.967 in his final lap of the session as the track began to dry. That meant he was almost a second quicker than nearest rival German Nico Rosberg of Mercedes.

Sauber driver, Japanese Kamui Kobayashi was third quickest ahead of McLaren drivers and fellow Britons Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, who were fourth and fifth quickest respectively.

Force India drivers Adrian Sutil and Scot Paul Di Resta were sixth and seventh fastest followed by Rubens Barrichello of Williams.

Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher was 12th quickest in the second Mercedes, while Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso was 15th quickest followed by Red Bull’s Mark Webber.

Title-race leader and defending drivers’ champion German Sebastian Vettel also of Red Bull was 18th fastest.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2011.