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Vettel satisfied despite incident: 'Had some catching up to do'

Vettel satisfied despite incident: 'Had some catching up to do'

03-09-2021 16:18

GPblog.com

Sebastian Vettel was just exploring the track during this morning's first free practice session when he had to pull his car over. The German then went to work with the fire extinguisher to make his car safe.

As a result Vettel had to abandon his practice and watch Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time of the morning session. A few hours later the driver was able to start again and set the tenth fastest time.

After the first day of racing Vettel looked back in conversation with Sky Sports reasonably satisfied. "I think overall it was a decent afternoon. We had some catching up to do and I had to get into the rhythm quickly, but it helps that I've been here many years ago. They haven't changed too much about the track which is good news," said Vettel.

Stroll 14th, Hamilton 11th

His teammate Lance Stroll set a fourteenth time in the afternoon session, which was slower than Vettel. Hamilton set the eleventh fastest time due to engine problems.