German four-tenths behind Hamilton in practice at Barcelona; Ferrari try out 14 new parts on the SF15-T
Tuesday 12 May 2015 14:00, UK
Sebastian Vettel has cautioned it is too early to draw any conclusions on the upgrades Ferrari trialled in Spain and suggested the Scuderia are still behind Mercedes.
The Scuderia, Mercedes’s closest challengers at the front of the grid, remain the only team to beat the Silver Arrows in a race this term and Vettel split Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in Practice Two in encouraging fashion on Friday afternoon.
However, after finishing four-tenths down on Hamilton after their qualifying simulations, Vettel warned: "The gap with Mercedes is still there."
The German did at least out-pace compatriot Rosberg to suggest that Mercedes will not have it all their own way at the Circuit de Catalunya.
But while Vettel believes the upgraded SF14-T – which Sky F1 understands features at least 14 different new parts – is an improvement he has warned against any definitive judgements.
"We were sliding so much because the grip was very low and it wasn’t the perfect lap,” said the former world champion. "It was quite a tricky day, everyone was sliding a lot, so it’s not entirely fair to judge the new pieces on the car. But most important, there’s nothing wrong with them: they’re working as expected."
Temperatures at Barcelona on Friday nearly reached 30 degrees, conditions which are likely to have favoured Ferrari over Mercedes although it's expected to be cooler over the weekend. Like the rest of the field, Vettel admitted he found the heat and blustery wind tough work.
"Grip seems to be very low," added Vettel. "Sunday it will improve, but the general conditions will remain the same. They say it is going to be a bit cooler on Sunday and maybe that will help."
