Formula One: Vettel records quickest time

Sebastian Vettel is now a three-time defending world champion.

Sebastian Vettel recorded the quickest time in Spain on the fourth and final day of testing ahead of the start of the Formula One season, giving a reason for being a three-time defending world champion.

Vettel, who was driving the newly launched Red Bull RB9 car, was just ahead of Mexico’s Esteban Gutierrez in a Sauber, while Lewis Hamilton took the third spot in his Mercedes.

However, amidst testing, Ferrari suffered a set-back on the final day, when Pedro de la Rosa pulled over to the side of the track as smoke billowed from the F138 after finishing only two, according to ESPNF1.

Due to the car’s slow movement during the laps, the car pulled up between turns seven and eight after a fire broke out around the right-hand exhaust.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2013.