Vettel sets pace in Valencia

Sebastian Vettel heads into the weekend on the front foot in his bid for a third successive European Grand Prix victory.

Reigning double world champion Vettel led the way after yesterday’s two 90-minute practice sessions around the Valencia Street Circuit where the top 15 cars were separated by under a second.

Red Bull star Vettel posted a best time of one minute 39.334secs ahead of five drivers all yet to win a race this season.

Chasing Vettel in second on the timesheet was Nico Hulkenberg in his Force India, the team seemingly confident they have found the key to understanding this year’s Pirelli tyres in Canada.

That was where Paul di Resta plummeted from fifth up until his first pit stop to outside the points and woefully off the pace.

Hulkenberg was 0.131secs behind Vettel, with Di Resta 0.366secs down in sixth.

Behind Di Resta was Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, two points adrift of Hamilton in the standings and one ahead of Vettel.