Sebastian Vettel fastest in 2nd practice for Singapore Grand Prix
Chasing his third straight win in Formula One's annual night race and seemingly headed for a fourth successive drivers' championship, Vettel set a time of 1 minute, 44.249 seconds on the Marina Bay circuit; six tenths of a second clear of teammate Mark Webber.
- Associated Press
- Updated: September 20, 2013 09:13 PM IST
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel again stamped himself the man to beat by setting the fastest time in Friday's practice for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Chasing his third straight win in Formula One's annual night race and seemingly headed for a fourth successive drivers' championship, Vettel set a time of 1 minute, 44.249 seconds on the Marina Bay circuit; six tenths of a second clear of teammate Mark Webber.
Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were the nearest rivals, but third-placed Rosberg was more than a second slower than Vettel.
Lotus driver Sebastian Grosjean had technical problems in both sessions but was still fifth quickest, outperforming his more experienced teammate Kimi Raikkonen in eighth.
Ferrari's Fernando Alonso - who was the subject of fresh speculation on Friday linking him to a move to McLaren - was sixth, ahead of McLaren's Jenson Button. Force India's Adrian Sutil and McLaren's Sergio Perez were ninth and 10th.
There were few incidents over the two 90-minute sessions. Williams' Pastor Maldonado went nose-first into one of the concrete barriers that hem the street circuit but the car had only minor front-wing damage.
The lack of problems was a testament to both the track surface, which has more grip this year after resurfacing, and the concentration of drivers who must go through 78 gear changes per lap on the twisty circuit, while dealing with the intense heat of driving under floodlights in the tropical climate.
Vettel's performance was dispiriting for his rivals, who need a dip in the German's imperious form if they are to reel in the already-comfortable 53-point lead he holds in the championship.
Should he top the times in Saturday's qualifying, that lead is likely to be extended further as Vettel has converted his past three pole positions this season into race wins.
About the only bad news for Vettel on Thursday was a 200-euro fine for speeding in the pit lane in the first practice session.