Vettel’s place at the top of the order was not unexpected at a track he has
made his own since its first appearance on the F1 calendar in 2011.
Vettel has won both races in India so far – leading all 120 laps across the
two races. Add in the fact that the German is on a five-race winning streak
and gunning for his 10th win overall this season, and it would be a brave
punter who bet against anything other than a Vettel win come Sunday.
Vettel’s team-mate Mark Webber claimed second place, 0.188 seconds further
back. The Mercedes of Nico Rosberg was three tenths of a second down on
Vettel in third place, with his team-mate Lewis Hamilton in fifth.
Romain Grosjean continued his impressive form as he took fourth place for
Lotus, almost two second faster than Ferrari-bound team-mate Kimi Raikkonen,
who was down in a subdued 17th place.
The McLarens of Jenson Button and Sergio Perez looked a little racier than
normal as they finish sixth and seventh respectively, both within
seven-tenths of Vettel’s benchmark.
Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was next up, but it was a frustrating session for the
Brazilian’s team-mate with Fernando Alonso – the only man who can deny
Vettel the title – down in 12th after only managing to complete six laps
before slowing and peeling into the pits with an apparent gearbox problem.
Williams’ Pastor Maldonado enlivened proceedings in a largely pedestrian
session with a spin at turn six with 24 minutes remaining. The Venezuelan
was able to recover and finished the session in 14th.
Force India’s James Calado was another to get out of shape when he overcooked
it through the fast sweeps of the middle section of the lap. The Briton,
eager to impress after being given the nod for FP1 ahead of Paul di Resta,
also suffered a late spin on his way to finishing the session in 18th place,
eight-tenths slower than regular Force India driver Adrian Sutil.
Britain’s Max Chilton propped up the pack for Marussia, nearly four seconds
off Vettel’s pace and almost a second adrift of team-mate Jules Bianchi.
Edited by Oliver Pickup