Free 1, Suzuka: Nothing new under the (Rising) Sun

The Japanese Grand Prix weekend got underway this morning at Suzuka circuit. At the end of the first practice session for the fifteenth round of the championship, the McLaren duo topped the time sheet with Jenson Button fastest in 1.33.634, followed by Lewis Hamilton (1.33.725.)

Third fastest was Sebastian Vettel who did a 1.34.090 in the Red Bull. Fernando Alonso was the fastest of the two Ferraris, setting the fourth quickest time of 1.34.373, completing 24 laps.

Felipe Massa did a 1.35.585, running 27 laps on his way to seventh fastest time. As usual on a Friday, Ferrari spent the session evaluating various aero configurations, running the specification last used at Spa-Francorchamps on Alonso’s car.

Vettel ended his session in the barriers at Degner after he ran wide on his final attempt.

The second session gets underway at 14h00 (6 am in the UK).