Vettel: “Our long-run pace is promising”

Discreet as often during the first free practices, Sebastian Vettel set the sixth and fourth fastest times in the two Friday sessions in Sao Paulo (Brazil). The German even paid himself a figure of speech, with a low speed spin in a bend in the second sector, without suffering the slightest damage.

Despite this incident, the spearhead of the Team took stock of a positive first day. “It’s a Friday like any other, without much surprise. We were able to stick to our testing schedule and complete many laps”, notes the four-time world champion. “The track is in very good condition and I think we can refine the balance of the car in order to increase the pace in qualifying and in the race. »

Currently unable to compete with Mercedes from the front, Sebastian Vettel recognizes the superiority of the Silver Arrows. “Overall it's very simple: Mercedes is the fastest team, then it comes down to very little between Red Bull and U.S. It will be difficult to beat the leaders; they seem faster, regardless of the track conditions and the tires used. However, our long relay pace is promising. »

While Valtteri Bottas notably worked on the development of parts for the coming year, Sebastian Vettel has decided to drown the fish, without really specifying whether the Brazilian meeting represented a full-scale test for 2018. “I think there are quite a few rumors in the paddock, but in reality the whole season is preparation for next season. Given the stability of the regulations, apart from the introduction of Halo, everything we learned in 2017 will be reflected in the car 2018…”