Although rain is not a threat for the European Grand Prix, the varying temperatures of Valencia are expected to throw a number of variables into the mix. On Thursday, thermometers read ambient figures of a staggering 37°C (99°F) and the Formula 1 field is bracing itself for a similar situation on race day, which could shake up the order.
“The unexpectedly gusty winds presented further problems and made development more difficult, especially as on Saturday and on Sunday it’s likely that the weather will revert to the hot conditions we saw here (on Thursday),” says McLaren Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh.
Sebastian Vettel, who topped the Practice 2 timesheets to lead a Friday session for the first time in 2012, is also forecasting weather-related dramas.
“The conditions will change again for Sunday I think, which will make a difference,” the World Champion comments. “It’s close between the teams and it’s not yet clear what the right strategy is for Sunday. Hopefully we can make a step forward.”
Vettel has sealed pole position and victory at the last two F1 events in Valencia.
Series
Formula 1
Personalities
Sebastian Vettel
Martin Whitmarsh
Other
DTM Tickets (best price guarantee!) at Sportstadium.com
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  S. Vettel | Red Bull | 01:39.334 | 32 |
| 2. | N. Hulkenberg | Force India | 01:39.465 | 32 |
| 3. | K. Kobayashi | Sauber | 01:39.595 | 20 |
| 4. | M. Schumacher | Mercedes | 01:39.601 | 27 |
| 5. | B. Senna | Williams | 01:39.644 | 34 |
| 6. | P. di Resta | Force India | 01:39.700 | 32 |
| 7. | F. Alonso | Ferrari | 01:39.733 | 34 |
| 8. | R. Grosjean | Lotus | 01:39.868 | 33 |
| 9. | M. Webber | Red Bull | 01:39.901 | 30 |
| 10. | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | 01:39.926 | 32 |
| Full results | ||||
| Martin Whitmarsh | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More Martin Whitmarsh photos | |||
| Sebastian Vettel | |||
 |  |  |  |
| More Sebastian Vettel photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
