MCLAREN’S JENSON BUTTON topped the timesheets during a rain-interrupted second practice at the Monaco Grand Prix today.
Button clocked a time of one minute, 15.746 seconds on super-soft tyres at the iconic Monte Carlo street circuit before the rain began to fall.
Rain fell sporadically throughout the session, restricting most drivers to intermediate tyres. Button finished 0.392 seconds quicker than Lotus’ Romain Grosjean, who also set his time before the showers.
Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, under pressure to improve this weekend following his disappointing start to the season, was third quickest in a promising performance. His Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso, who set the pace in opening practice, Williams’ Pastor Maldonado and Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg rounded out the top six.
Australian Mark Webber was seventh in his Red Bull, while countryman Daniel Ricciardo of Torro Rosso was more than three seconds off the pace in 18th. Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi and Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher were eighth and ninth.
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, the winner at Monaco last year and reigning world champion, was 1.557 seconds adrift of Button in 10th. More rain is expected for practice and qualifying on Saturday with showers also likely for the race on Sunday.
