Ferrari  showed its teeth in today's second free practice session in China with Kimi Raikkonen just edging out team mate Sebastian Vettel.

The four-time World Champion won't deny any opportunity to break Mercedes eight-race winning streak, but the German believes there's still a fair amount of work to be accomplished over the weekend.

"It’s only Friday so I wouldn’t stress too much," Vettel said.

"We had a decent day, the car feels okay and I did one [quick] lap, but for the long run I didn’t have the opportunity to see what the other people were doing.

"Overall I think we can still improve, but the balance is not yet where I want it to be, so let’s see what we can do."

Vettel also took a keen interest in the fact that his team mate ended the day with the upper hand.

" I was looking at some of his stuff but also some other stuff and I think I saw where he was faster. It’s easy to see when you can read the lines, but not so easy to do.

"I think he had a better lap and we both had a different programme this afternoon so I think it’s useful to compare one person against the other for both of us."

Fiat-Chrysler and  Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne is a welcomed presence in the Scuderia's garage in China according to Sebastian Vettel.

"It’s good that he comes by and supports us. The pressure we are giving ourselves, we want to do the best for tomorrow and Sunday. It’s nice that he shows up and he cares."

REPORT: Raikkonen fastest as Ferrari leads Mercedes in FP2

AS IT HAPPENED: Chinese Grand Prix - FP2

Romain Grosjean column: A start beyond my craziest dream

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

15 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

16 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

18 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

19 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

21 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

21 hours ago