WORLD CHAMPION Sebastian Vettel has set the pace in an even second practice at the European Grand Prix today.
Winner at the Valencia track for the past two seasons, Vettel led home his Red Bull ahead of Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg and Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi by less than three-hundredths of a second.
No one driver dominated proceedings and with less than six-tenths of a second between the top 10, another keenly fought race is looming on Sunday.
Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher looked in good touch in his improved car and will be searching for his first race win since his comeback after recording the fourth-fastest lap.
Williams’ Bruno Senna was fifth ahead of Force India’s Paulo di Resta, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, Lotus driver Romain Grosjean and Vettel’s team-mate Mark Webber. McLaren’s Jenson Button was off the pace in 12th with team-mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton down in 14th place.
Seven different teams represented the top 10 with Red Bull, Force India, Sauber, Williams, Mercedes, Ferrari and Lotus all in the mix. Seven different drivers have won the opening seven races in one of the most unpredictable seasons in many years with any of the top 10 capable of securing pole position in qualifying.
