VETTEL’S PACKING NO POWER

SEBASTIAN VETTEL only managed a paltry 30 miles in two days of Formula One testing — a statistic that finally scratched away at his Red Bull team’s indomitable aura. The world champion’s car had given up on him so early in the day — just after lunchtime — that he was flying back to see his new baby girl in Switzerland while the growl of the opposition’s turbo-charged engines still filled the Jerez air. The problem Red Bull faced was not principally of their own making but a result of the difficulties in incorporating their Renault power pack. Only 19 laps of the 331 completed yesterday were driven by Renault-powered teams, Caterham contributing just 11 to go with Red Bull’s eight. A wellplaced Red Bull insider told how they built the car in eight days back at the factory, only for electrical problems to surface once they arrived in Spain. Bug-eyed engineers and mechanics were detailed to work through the night to remedy the ills. Vettel (left) departed without honouring planned media commitments, but he vouched some remarks with his spokeswoman. He said: ‘With such a big rule change it is usual to have teething problems, and that is what tests are for. ‘The next two days will be important to get track time ahead of the tests in Bahrain (next month).’ The next two days of this fourday test will be undertaken by Red Bull newcomer Daniel Ricciardo, meaning they will miss out on Vettel’s great acumen and experience. Smiles were broader at the Mercedes-powered teams who did a combined 212 laps. McLaren and Mercedes, for whom Nico Rosberg drove the most laps (97), were both strong, which is good news for Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari and teams using their power packs also managed respectable miles.