VALENCIA, SPAIN // Mark Webber was fastest during the opening practice session of this weekend’s European Grand Prix at the Valencia Street Circuit this morning.
Red Bull Racing’s Australian driver was 0.824 seconds quicker than Renault’s Vitaly Petrov, while Fernando Alonso of Ferrari was third.
Webber’s teammate, world champion Sebastian Vettel, was a lowly 16th as his team appeared to be experimenting with a new set-up ahead of regulation changes due to be implemented at the next race of the season in Silverstone, England.
McLaren-Mercedes, the only team this season who can claim to have beaten Vettel on a Sunday, arrived in Spain with an updated package.
Lewis Hamilton finished the morning session fourth fastest, while teammate Jenson Button, getting behind the wheel for the first time since his epic win in Montreal two weeks ago, finished seventh.
Nico Hulkenberg, Force India’s reserve driver, crashed out while testing Paul di Resta’s car after losing control and colliding with a barrier. The Force India team were confident di Resta would be able to partake in the afternoon session, which starts at 4pm UAE time.
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
