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McLaren lead Free Practice, as Vettel and Alonso spin out - Alonso goes for a spin and Vettel crashes into the barriers

Published by Christine

McLaren lead Free Practice, as Vettel and Alonso spin out
Credit: Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.
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Welcome to F1Minute - McLaren lead Free Practice, as Vettel and Alonso spin out.

The action in Abu Dhabi got underway today with two Free Practice sessions done and dusted. The first, in beautiful bright sunshine, was led by Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton.

Friday drivers Robert Wickens, Jean-Éric Vergne and Romain Grosjean were driving their Virgin, Toro Rosso and Renault cars respectively. Williams driver Rubens Barrichello came to a halt out on track as his car lost oil pressure. Renault’s Vitaly Petrov also had troubles as he returned to the garage with smoke pouring from the car.

McLaren also led the way in Free Practice 2 with Lewis Hamilton taking over the top spot from his teammate. He was followed by Button with Fernando Alonso third. The Ferrari driver had led the way at one point, as had Sebastian Vettel, but both drivers found themselves spinning off at turn one and ending their sessions early. Meanwhile, Felipe Massa’s front wing showed signs of serious wobbling again, as showers of sparks flew up when he tried out the new design.