Silver Arrows on the wane? No way, says pace-setting Vettel

SOCHI, Russia: Formula One front-runner Sebastian Vettel led a Ferrari one-two in Russian Grand Prix practice yesterday with the resurgent Italian team appearing to have a clear edge over champions Mercedes.

The German four-time world champion enjoyed the afternoon sunshine with a best lap of one minute 34.120 seconds – 0.263sec quicker than teammate Kimi Raikkonen and 0.709 clear of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

Raikkonen had been fastest in the morning.

Valtteri Bottas, a close second in opening practice, was third in the afternoon for Mercedes and 0.670sec off Vettel’s pace, while teammate Hamilton was fourth.

Vettel leads Hamilton by seven points after winning two of three races this season. The Briton won in China.

Sochi’s street circuit, winding around the landmark venues of the 2014 Olympic Park, has favoured Mercedes since its debut three years ago with the champions leading every lap of every race there.

Triple champion Hamilton won in 2014 and 2015 with nowretired teammate Nico Rosberg triumphant last year on his way to the title.

“This is a circuit that suits them,” said Vettel, despite mounting evidence that the threeyear Silver Arrows’ domination is on the wane.

“They will be strong tomorrow.”

Raikkonen and Bottas also have good records in Sochi, however, with the 2007 world champion finishing third last year and his fellow-Finn taking the first fastest lap of his Formula One career in 2014 when he also came third for Williams.

Vettel was second in Russia in 2015. – Reuters