shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Sebastian Vettel smashes Sepang lap record during practice

Sebastian Vettel smashes Sepang lap record during practice

Updated on: 30 September,2017 09:41 AM IST  |  Sepang (Malaysia)
Abhishek Takle |

Sebastian Vettel smashed the all-time Sepang lap record yesterday ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen as Ferrari set the pace on the opening day of practice for the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel smashes Sepang lap record during practice

Sebastian Vettel smashed the all-time Sepang lap record yesterday ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen as Ferrari set the pace on the opening day of practice for the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix. Vettel's benchmark of 1min 31.261sec, the fastest ever around the 5.5-kilometer track, was set in the second 90-minute session in the afternoon, which was brought to an early halt after a loose drain cover caused a heavy crash for Romain Grosjean. Vettel had been the fifth quickest in the rain-hit opening session.


Sebastian Vettel. Pic/AFP
Sebastian Vettel. Pic/AFP


The Ferrari driver's championship leading title rival Lewis Hamilton was only the sixth fastest in the afternoon, as he had been in the first session, ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas with both Mercedes drivers reporting a general lack of grip.


Ferrari's display yesterday and Mercedes' struggles will be welcomed by Vettel who trails Hamilton by 28 points in the overall standings with just six races left.

A record four-time winner in Malaysia, Vettel desperately needs a fifth victory tomorrow after his title hopes were dealt a severe blow at the last race in Singapore, where the German crashed out in the opening lap paving the way for Hamilton to win. Daniel Ricciardo, who led a one-two ahead of teammate Max Verstappen in last year's Malaysian race, ended the day third fastest ahead of the Dutchman.

Verstappen, who turns 20 today, had ended yesterday's opening session fastest ahead of the Australian. Fernando Alonso, who vaulted up the order on a rapidly drying track to end the first session third, was an impressive fifth for McLaren. Sergio Perez in Force India was eighth ahead of Renault's Nico Hulkenberg and teammate Esteban Ocon who rounded out the top-ten.

Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who made his F1 debut this weekend after being drafted in as replacement for an underperforming Russian Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso, was the 15th fastest. Gasly, 21, being evaluated as a permanent replacement for Renault-bound Carlos Sainz for next season, outpaced the Spaniard who was 16th. Neither of yesterday's two sessions ran to their full 90-minute length. The morning session was delayed by half-an-hour due to a tropical downpour that lashed the track minutes before its scheduled start.

Grosjean's crash in the afternoon brought out the red flags with 22 minutes of the session still to run. The Frenchman hit the loose drain cover with his right rear tyre, which exploded upon impact and pitched his Haas into the barriers. The session wasn't restarted with Formula One race director Charlie Whiting driving out in the safety car to inspect the damaged drain.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK