For all the talk about the unpredictability of the new Formula One season, Friday’s opening practice for the Australian Grand Prix followed a well-established pattern, with Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull again setting the pace.
Three-time reigning world champion Vettel signaled he is the man to beat again in 2013 by setting the fastest time in both practice sessions, with his teammate Mark Webber second best around the Albert Park circuit.
Their strong performance, with no apparent technical problems, immediately dashed the hopes of rivals who had hoped they had caught up to the F1 leaders over the off-season. “It was pretty seamless and there was no trouble with the car,” Vettel said. “Today was a good day and the balance was good, but we need to be ready for what’s coming up.”
Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg was third quickest but suffered a gearbox failure late in the second session, shortly after new teammate lewis Hamilton speared off the track into a tire wall.
The late problems put some tarnish on an otherwise promising afternoon for the team, which confirmed the impression given at preseason testing that it would be pushing for podiums and even wins in the early stages of the season.