Vettel tries to play down victory chances

Sebastian Vettel has moved to play down Ferrari’s victory chances despite showing strong race pace during Friday practice for the Chinese Grand Prix.

Following Vettel’s surprise win in Malaysia, Ferrari’s pace was watched closely during the long runs on Friday afternoon, with Kimi Raikkonen particularly impressive. However, Vettel says Ferrari’s main target at this stage of the weekend is to attempt to improve overnight to be stronger on Saturday.

"Don't forget, first of all, it's only the third race of the season; second of all it's a completely different track, different conditions and so it's new for everyone,” Vettel said. "The most important thing for us is looking after ourselves and going step by step. Today is Friday, that is when you do your homework, and that is what we have tried to do."

Asked if Friday had gone better than expected for Ferrari, Vettel replied: “No.

“In general we have a good car, so we can always be confident, but it's still early days. For us, target number one is to make sure we are right behind Mercedes and accept they are very strong. But as the season goes on we will try to get closer and closer."

And Vettel insists Ferrari’s aim at this stage of the weekend is to consolidate second position behind Mercedes before thinking about fighting for victory.

"They were very strong today, in both sessions, all the runs. For us the important thing is we make a step overnight because there are a couple of things we can improve on, and then we will see where it takes us.

"Priority number one is to be right behind them, and if we have a chance to fight them then we will try, and then we have to make sure nobody gets ahead of us."

By Chris Medland in Shanghai

Click here for Friday's gallery from the Chinese Grand Prix 

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