Sebastian Vettel: Ferrari ‘close’ to front group after practice

Sebastian Vettel labelled Red Bull as “very fast” but feels that Ferrari is “close” to the lead battle following Friday’s pair of practice sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Vettel, who holds a 12-point title advantage over Lewis Hamilton, was one of several drivers to suffer multiple off-track excursions amid a lack of grip at the Baku City Circuit, but recovered to place fifth.

Red Bull rival Max Verstappen led the way in both sessions but Vettel feels Ferrari can emerge among the lead group.

“We tried something in the afternoon, but I think it is difficult to find the rhythm here as the track is not easy,” he said. “I believe I was not the only one to go down the escape roads.

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“However, tomorrow is another day. I think we are close. Red Bull is very fast and today it was not just for one lap but throughout both sessions.

“However, I was pretty happy with our overall job. The straight here is very long, so you have to make sure you are quick enough there.

“Maybe we may still want to try a couple of things even tomorrow.”

Team-mate Kimi Räikkönen wound up fourth overall and reckoned getting the tyres into the correct operating window was the biggest test for drivers.

“The most challenging part of the day was to make the tyres work”, said Räikkönen.

“Obviously, when they are not performing 100 per cent, it’s a bit tricky out there on the track.

“The car feels okay, but we still have to work on that. If you manage to do that, then everything is a lot easier.”