Silverstone, England - Mark Webber was fastest in a wet first practice on Friday for Formula One’s British Grand Prix as the Red Bull driver chases a second successive Silverstone victory.The 34-year-old Australian posted a quickest lap of 1 minute, 46.603 seconds around the circuit, two-thirds of a second faster than Michael Schumacher, while Rubens Barrichello of Williams was third.
Championship leader Sebastian Vettel was down in 13th — more than two seconds slower than Red Bull teammate Webber.
But the poor morning conditions offered few indications that Vettel’s dominance was threatened after winning six of the opening eight races to build a commanding 77-point lead over McLaren’s Jenson Button and Webber.
Such supremacy has heightened comparisons between Vettel and fellow German, Mercedes driver Schumacher, who won the title five consecutive times starting in 2000, with Ferrari.
But Vettel, 24, has a long way to go. Although he became F1’s youngest title winner last season, Schumacher still holds the records for championships, race wins — both overall and in one season — and pole positions.
“I get on very well with him. He is a good friend of mine,” seven-time world champion Schumacher said. “I would have no hard feelings if he did beat my records. I feel he would deserve it because he would have worked hard for it.”
The 42-year-old Schumacher believes it will be difficult for any driver to catch Vettel, dubbed “Baby Schumi,” this season, but sounded a note of caution.
“He must never feel as if he is unstoppable because you know how fragile things are,” he said.
Associated Press
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