Sebastian Vettel topped the opening practice session for the Indian Grand Prix, putting his Red Bull top with a 1:26.683, two tenths quicker than team-mate Mark Webber in second.
The Red Bulls had close competition though with Nico Rosberg’s Mercedes just two tenths off Vettel’s time, whilst Romain Grosjean’s form continued with the fourth fastest time.
Lewis Hamilton completed the top five ahead of an ever improving McLaren which saw Jenson Button and Sergio Perez claim sixth and seventh.
Ferrari’s endured a tough session with Felipe Massa eighth, whilst Fernando Alonso suffered a gearbox problem just six laps into the session.
Two drivers enjoyed spins on the Buddh International Circuit. Pastor Maldonado and stand-in James Calado.
FP1 Times – 2013 Indian Grand Prix:
| # | Driver | Team | Time | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | S. Vettel | Red Bull | 1:26.683 | 24 | |
| 02 | M. Webber | Red Bull | 1:26.871 | 0.188 | 17 |
| 03 | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | 1:26.899 | 0.216 | 23 |
| 04 | R. Grosjean | Lotus | 1:26.990 | 0.307 | 20 |
| 05 | L. Hamilton | Mercedes | 1:27.227 | 0.544 | 21 |
| 06 | J. Button | McLaren | 1:27.335 | 0.652 | 23 |
| 07 | S. Perez | McLaren | 1:27.416 | 0.733 | 23 |
| 08 | F. Massa | Ferrari | 1:27.692 | 1.009 | 21 |
| 09 | N. Hulkenberg | Sauber | 1:27.770 | 1.087 | 19 |
| 10 | V. Bottas | Williams | 1:27.800 | 1.117 | 23 |
| 11 | J-E. Vergne | Toro Rosso | 1:28.035 | 1.352 | 25 |
| 12 | F. Alonso | Ferrari | 1:28.214 | 1.531 | 6 |
| 13 | D. Ricciardo | Toro Rosso | 1:28.336 | 1.653 | 18 |
| 14 | P. Maldonado | Williams | 1:28.342 | 1.659 | 21 |
| 15 | A. Sutil | Force India | 1:28.468 | 1.785 | 20 |
| 16 | E. Gutierrez | Sauber | 1:28.538 | 1.855 | 18 |
| 17 | K. Räikkönen | Lotus | 1:28.730 | 2.047 | 18 |
| 18 | J. Calado | Force India | 1:29.197 | 2.514 | 22 |
| 19 | G. van der Garde | Caterham | 1:29.413 | 2.730 | 24 |
| 20 | J. Bianchi | Marussia | 1:29.560 | 2.877 | 20 |
| 21 | C. Pic | Caterham | 1:30.026 | 3.343 | 23 |
| 22 | M. Chilton | Marussia | 1:30.471 | 3.788 | 17 |
