Indian GP Practice 1 Report: Vettel on top

Sebastian Vettel topped the timesheets in the first practice session of 2012 Indian Grand Prix. Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso were second and third fastest, with the trio trading fastest times in the final minutes of FP1.

Lewis Hamilton and Mark Webber were fourth and fifth fastest in the other Mclaren and Red-Bull.

Mercedes duo of Rosberg and Schumacher looked in better form as compared to last two races and were sixth and eight fastest respectively. Felipe Massa was seventh fastest, sandwiched between the Mercedes pair.

Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Raikkonen completed the top 10. Both of the Force India drivers finished outside the top 10 in 12th and 14th positions.

Both Di Resta and Hulkenberg were not able to get the tyres in their optimum working window and so lacked grip throughout the session.

The track was quite green at start of FP1 and many drivers were struggling for grip especially through turns 5,6,7,8 and 9. Esteban gutierrez replaced Sergio Perez for first practice as the Mexican was not feeling well. Vaterri Bottas and Geido van De Garde were other reserve drivers in action during FP1.

At the top, Ferrari, Red-Bull and Mclaren are very close to each other and the showdown is likely to be between these three teams.