Alonso and Vettel head mixed sessions in Barcelona - The rain changed programmes at first, but Red Bull caught up quickly
Published by Christine
Overnight rain meant the track at Barcelona was damp as the first practice session of the weekend got underway. Some were happy to make the most of the conditions, others, such as Jenson Button, preferred to sit out the session and not risk any of the new updates on the car.
Fernando Alonso looked quick throughout, taking the top spot midway through, and returning there at the end of the ninety minutes. The times started dropping as the track dried out, and the Toro Rosso of Jean-Éric Vergne managed to finish third, behind the two Ferraris.
The sun came out for the second session, and it worked in Red Bull's favour. The pair of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber battled for the top spot throughout, with Vettel eventually ending the day P1. Alonso was still going well, which cheered up the home fans no end.
There were worrying moments for Lewis Hamilton, who spun to one side of the track, and then ended up in the grass on the other side as he tried to correct it. Paul di Resta also had to stop when his rear left tyre disintegrated, losing all the central tread. It was a close session with the top six drivers within four tenths of each other.
