Vettel sets the pace

Red Bull Racing head into this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix in a far stronger position than perhaps expected after Sebastian Vettel emerged quickest at the end of practice yesterday.

Coming into the race, all within Red Bull expressed concerns that the low downforce, high-speed nature of Monza would not suit their cars.

It was anticipated this weekend would be one of damage limitation with regard to their championship hopes, only for Vettel’s display to offer up hope they could yet be in contention for victory.

There was a point in the second session when it appeared as if the McLaren duo of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were head and shoulders above their rivals.

Although separated by just 0.056secs, as they ultimately finished the 90-minute programme, they were over seven tenths of a second clear of their nearest challenger Fernando Alonso.

But in a matter of minutes they were deposed from their one-two positions, first by Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, then Alonso and finally Vettel.

The British pairing were forced to settle for the fourth and fifth quickest times, 0.315secs and 0.376secs respectively behind Vettel, whose hot lap was a 1:22.839secs.

Vettel is eager to atone for his recent mistakes in Hungary and Belgium which have cost him many points, casting him 31 adrift of championship leader Hamilton.