Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel tops second practice session at Chinese Grand Prix 2011: Formula One News
After dominating proceedings in the first practice session at the Shanghai circuit in China, Sebastian Vettel tops the second practice session yet again in his Red Bull RB7.
However, while the first session reflected Red Bull comfortably ahead of the pack, this term, the holding champion is ahead of McLaren's Lewis Hamilton by less than two tenths. Hamilton's teammate, Jenson Button is third ahead of the two Mercedes drivers,
Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Massa trumps Alonso again, but the Spaniard did have problems with his car and later got stuck in traffic behind the 2 HRTS.
Nick Heidfeld set the 8th fastest time in his Renault followed by his teammate Vitaly Petrov. Looking to make amends after doing not so well in the first two races, Mark Webber ended the session 10th fastest in his Red Bull. The Australian
was quicker during the first practice session but appeared to conserve his machinery during the second stint.
Vettel posted a 1 minute 37.688 to claim the fastest time of the practice session during his 34 lap stint – The top 4 drivers were all in the 1 minute 37 second range.
McLaren have been tipped to be the best bet challenging the might of the Red Bulls this term. Having both drivers finishing second and third respectively reflects a balanced line up on part of the British based team. The MP4–26 appears to be the most improved
car after the first two race weekends. However, overall reliability and the way it manages its tyres is going to be vital for the race.
Mercedes put up a solid team performance this time. While there is no denying the potential of the car, the only major concern has been the consistency of both, Schumacher and Rosberg – More than often, the two Germans have a different story to tell when
it comes to track position.
Finally, while the Ferrari might not look much compatible based on the two practice sessions, it is naive to assume that their performance during an informal practice period could be considered as yardstick in assessing the potential of the scarlet machine.
The 3rd and final practice session followed by qualifying on Saturday might give us a clearer picture as to where things stand heading into the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.
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