Jenson Button set the fastest time in the Japanese Grand Prix practice sessions this morning.

The McLaren man was quickest from Fernando Alonson, while Sebastian Vettel – who can win the title this weekend – recovered from an early crash to go third fastest.

Button was the man to beat though across both sessions. His team-mate Lewis Hamilton had traffic problems and was down in eighth in FP2 behind Mark Webber, Felipe Massa, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg.

The talking point of the morning was Vettel’s crash though. It occurred towards the end of the first practice session as he took on the second Degner corner.

BBC Pundit Anthony Davidson said: “It was a classic mistake around Degner One. But it was a mistake nonetheless.”

“He lost the front end, felt the rear was a bit light, let the car run out wide and then he was on the gravel and paid the price.”

It has been said many times that mistakes are punished in Japan and the German wasn’t the only one having a few problems.

Rubens Barrichello, Bruno Senna and Kamui Kobayashi were caught out by the fast paced and narrow circuit during the second practice session although the latter managed to brilliantly keep his car on the circuit.

As for Vettel, having recovered well from the crash, he will hope to use this morning’s incident as a reminder of how much he needs to concentrate this weekend.

After all, if he crashes out of Sunday’s race and Button leads the way as he did in practice, the title celebrations will have to wait for another couple of weeks.

Do you think Vettel will have any problems this weekend? Let  us on Twitter!

Also, are you looking forward to the Japanese Grand Prix? Our build-up is well underway with a classic video or two and a special gallery!

Finally, if you fancy a free £25 bet on Formula 1 (why wouldn’t you?)  sign up to 188bet here NOW!

Related posts: