Free 2: Sebastian Vettel fastest after second practice at Abu Dhabi

Sebastian Vettel has returned to the top after second practice around the Yas Marina circuit, as the teams and drivers continue their preparations for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The reigning World Champion was followed by Lewis Hamilton in 2nd, with the Briton’s team-mate, Jenson Button a close 3rd.

As the sun began to set over the Yas Marina circuit, the Formula 1 teams and drivers returned to the 5.554km circuit to continue their preparations for this weekend’s race. Once again, glorious weather conditions greeted the drivers as they instantly took to the track, with the Sauber duo the first to leave the confines of the pit-lane. Mexican driver Sergio Perez set the first timed lap of the session, with a 01:45.819.

However, Championship favorite Sebastian Vettel was quick to assert his authority over proceedings, setting a 01:43.323. The German driver gradually improved throughout the early stages of the session, bringing his time at the top down to a 01:42.730. Vettel’s reign at the top was surprisingly short-lived, however, as 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton disposed of the reigning Champion and stormed to the top with a 01:42.095.

McLaren’s superlative start to the weekend continued, as Jenson Button slotted himself into 2nd position behind team-mate Hamilton, as the Toro Rosso of Jean-Eric Vergne became the first driver to switch to Pirelli’s soft tyre compound. Lewis Hamilton remained fastest as the session progressed, as both Sebastian Vettel and then Romain Grosjean shared the 2nd spot behind the McLaren driver.

However, Sebastian Vettel eventually reasserted his authority over proceedings, with the German driver setting a 01:42.056. The reigning World Champion was able to improve upon that time a little later, as the Caterham of Vitaly Petrov spun and continued at turn one. Whilst one Red Bull driver once again dominated proceedings at the sharp end of the order, Mark Webber’s session was brought to a premature end after an ominous water leak was discovered towards the front of his Red Bull.

Mark Webber wasn’t the only driver struggling towards the end of the second session, as Lewis Hamilton once again began to struggle with an intermittent gear change issue. However, the mysterious woes improved slightly, allowing the Briton to continue circulating out on track as the session drew to a frenetic conclusion.

With many drivers carrying out high fuel runs in the closing stages of the second practice session, Sebastian Vettel remained unbeaten as the checkered flag emerged signaling the end of the session. The German was followed home by the ever-competitive Lewis Hamilton, with Jenson Button 3rd. With question marks still hanging over the soft tyre compound, the drivers will be eager to carry out as much running during practice three tomorrow morning prior to the all-important qualifying session later in the day.

Both Red Bull and McLaren look strong this weekend around the Yas Marina circuit, with Lewis Hamilton in particular striving to take at least one more victory for the Woking-based outfit before his departure at the end of the season. Sebastian Vettel, however, once again remains the favorite for victory on Sunday, with Red Bull poised to clinch their third consecutive World Constructors’ Championship.

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