Webber tops opening practice in Brazil

The final Grand Prix of what has been the longest season in F1’s history got underway on Friday morning in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Teams and drivers reacquainted themselves with the Interlagos circuit during the first 90-minute practice session. Several ‘Friday drivers’ were in action: Charouz at HRT, Vergne at Toro Rosso, Razia at Team Lotus, Grosjean at LRGP and Hulkenberg – last year’s poleman – at Force India.

The start of the session was dedicated to the routine installation laps. Michael Schumacher was one of the early runners and set the pace. Both LRGPs then warmed up and lowered the benchmark. Thirty minutes in, Felipe Massa was leading the way. But the Brazilian was soon demoted to 2nd place by Lewis Hamilton. Michael Schumacher was third fastest ahead of Grosjean and Alguersuari.

The McLaren driver upped the pace through his run, while Sebastian Vettel swiftly got up to speed. The double World Champion was soon up in second place, 0.3s behind the Briton, and eventually took over at the front. Halfway through the session, the Red Bull driver was leading from Hamilton, Button, Massa and Hulkenberg. Alonso was still to set a time.

A few minutes later, Mark Webber moved up the classification and slotted in 2nd position, 0.015s behind his teammate. With thirty minutes left, Button put his McLaren on top. In the meantime, Alonso completed his first timed lap and went sixth fastest.

Hamilton was also back on track and went second fastest to his teammate. Webber reclaimed the lead for Red Bull with 17 minutes left.

Five minutes from the chequered flag, Fernando Alonso pulled to a halt in his Ferrari at Turn One. He suggested to his team he had an engine problem. The Scuderia later confirmed it was indeed an engine failure.

There were no changes at the front and Webber remained on top. He finished ahead of Button, Hamilton, Vettel and Massa. Despite his unusual work program, Alonso set the sixth fastest time. Schumacher was seventh with Hulkenberg eighth, di Resta ninth and Rosberg tenth.