Free 3: Mark Webber tops final practice at Budapest

Webber holds off a resurgent Lewis Hamilton at Hungary

Mark Webber has ended the final practice session ahead of tomorrow’s Hungarian Grand Prix fastest for Red Bull, just ahead of the resurgent Lewis Hamilton who is out to redeem himself after a disappointing German Grand Prix. Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel ended the session 3rd, as the teams prepared for qualifying.

After the heavy rain shower which plagued proceedings during yesterday’s second practice session, this morning’s final session was run in gloriously bright sunshine and swelteringly hot temperatures. Heikki Kovalainen was the first driver to take to the track as the session got underway, as the drivers set to completing their installation laps.

Eventually it was Nico Rosberg who set the first timed lap of the session, with the German driver setting a 01:31.902. However, the times quickly began to tumble as further drivers set to completing their first timed laps. Jean-Eric Vergne momentarily went fastest for Toro Rosso, before Championship contender Mark Webber stormed to the top with a 01:23.359. The Australian driver then improved upon his time, before team-mate Sebastian Vettel rose to the top.

With the teams frantically preparing for the all-important qualifying hour later this afternoon, many drivers began opting for the soft (yellow) Pirelli tyre compound. Kimi Raikkonen went fastest as the session progressed, with the Finn considerably happier within the car after a productive day of running on Friday. However, the Iceman’s reign at the top was short lived, as Lewis Hamilton set a couple of scintillating laps to assume the top spot.

However, with McLaren undoubtedly out to impress this weekend after a German Grand Prix of mixed emotions last time out, Red Bull quickly thwarted any McLaren advantage. Firstly it was reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel who went fastest, with a 01:21.671, before Mark Webber flew to the top with a 01:21.550. Lewis Hamilton was able to split the Red Bull duo, however the Australian driver remained fastest as the session came to an end.

Championship leader Fernando Alonso ended the session 5th fastest, only +0.334 seconds off the pace whereas the Mercedes duo ended up only a meagre 17th and 18th. With passing around the Hungaroring notoriously difficult, a decent grid position is imperative for a competitive result in the race. Expect the usual spills and thrills once the qualifying hour gets underway later this afternoon.

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