Sebastian Vettel looks back on his accident

Sebastian Vettel achieved the third fastest time in the two free practice sessions dominated by Jenson Button (McLaren). The Championship leader was only able to complete 22 laps this morning at Suzuka following an off-track which ended in the tire wall at the Degner corner. The RB7?s front wing was damaged in the accident but the team had no trouble getting the RB7 back on its feet for the second session.

The German was not the only one to be trapped at this point since several drivers made mistakes at turn 8. “It wasn’t a big mistake but the slightest mistake costs a lot in this place”, explains the pilot Red Bull. “I went off the track and then tried to get back on track, trying to slow down the car as much as possible but I didn't succeed and I hit the wall. The impact was not violent but it was enough to damage the car. »

Sebastian Vettel admits that driving single-seaters seems more difficult this season with the Pirelli tires and the new regulations. “It affected our objectives a little”, recognizes the leader. “We still had a good afternoon, but it's still quite difficult with the tires because the cars are more lively. After stopping, I was able to observe several cars and they indeed seem more responsive. The race will be interesting. I think we are a little slower this year compared to last season. The passage of 130R is particularly demanding with the DRS zone. »

Discover in your AUTOhebdo magazine n°1825, currently on newsstands, our revelations on the 100% French team that Renault almost created, as well as an interview with Nico Rosberg.