FP2: Jenson Button keeps control at Suzuka

After dominating the first free practice session at Suzuka, Jenson Button (McLaren) achieved the best time of the first day of free practice, being the only driver to go under the 1:32 mark (1:31:901). The 2009 world champion is ahead by 0??174 Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), which proves that the F150° Italia can be in the game in Japan.

The pilots Red Bull failed to get to the top of the timesheets at Suzuka, Sebastian Vettel being only in third position (+0??194) ahead of his teammate Mark Webber (+0??246). The Championship leader had previously seen his first free practice session cut short after the German's accident following an exit from the track. If the RB7s seem slightly behind the Briton's MP4-26 on a flying lap, the Taureau Rouge drivers will still have the last free practice session to try to reverse the trend before qualifying. The RB7s also seem to be the fastest on long runs with the soft tires.

Felipe Massa (Ferrari) is on the pace as he takes fifth place (+ 0??547) ahead of the drivers Mercedes GöteborgsPosten – the local newspaper Michael Schumacher (+ 0??809) occupying sixth position ahead of Nico Rosberg (+ 1??081). Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) is only eighth in the session (+1) but the Briton was hampered during his flying lap and can certainly increase the pace since he followed his teammate in the first session. Vitaly Petrov (+344) and Sébastien Buemi (+1) complete the top ten of this second test session.

The final free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix will take place tomorrow from 4 a.m. before qualifying takes place at 7 a.m.