Strong first outcome for Vettel

The BMW Sauber F1 Team was back up to full strength today with Sebastian Vettel now taking on the role of test and reserve driver alongside race drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica. Sebastian set the fastest time of the day, while Robert set 17th quickest time and Nick 27th. Sebastian also made history by being the youngest driver ever to take part in a Grand Prix weekend.

"I am surprised at this result. It has been difficult for me as I didn’t know the circuit and have had only one proper Formula 1 test. However, I felt very comfortable, I was able to deliver some information and on top of it all it was great! What happens in the fast corners is just indescribable. My second session was a lot quicker, and on top of that I learnt two Formula 1 lessons on my first day. In the first session I forgot to press the pit lane speed limiter, which is going to be expensive, and after the second session the system chose me for a drug test."

"I really like driving here. Corner eight is a great corner and has remained so even with this year’s V8 engines. I imagine it can be flat in qualifying. Sometimes new track surfaces change a lot after their first winter and develop a lot of bumps, but this one hasn’t changed since 2005."

"I didn’t do a lot of driving, as I only did five timed laps. This has given us some idea about the best set-up, which we have to improve on, and me some idea about this track. We will have to see how we go tomorrow, as we still have the third free practice to work on the car before qualifying. The track is new to me and I like it, but would have liked to do a few more laps."

"It was a good first practice day for our team with a flawless performance from Sebastian Vettel, who is only 19 years old and had his first Formula One drive on a GP weekend. He completed his entire programme with no mistakes and laid a good basis for the set-up work for the cars. Setting the fastest lap today was not on the agenda, but it is the icing on the cake. Nick and Robert also completed their programmes as scheduled."

"It was a problem free first practice day. Today we concentrated on set-up work and we have to take into account changing track conditions when planning the continuation of this work tomorrow. Compliments to Sebastian who completed his programme on his first day as a Friday driver with no mistakes."