Vettel out to 'kill Mercedes magic' at Silverstone

Sebastian Vettel hopes to "kill Mercedes' magic" at the British Grand Prix after a successful Friday suggested Ferrari could be ready to break Lewis Hamilton's stranglehold on his home race. Vettel was quickest of anyone in FP2, topping a Friday practice session's timesheet for the first time in 2018.

The Scuderia have generally dialled up their performance on Saturdays this season, but Vettel laid down a strong marker, going a tenth of a second quicker than Hamilton in Friday's second session, after the Brit and team-mate Valtteri Bottas had led the way in FP1.

Hamilton has four wins on the bounce to his name at Silverstone and another victory on Sunday will see him take the record for victories at his home grand prix.

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However, long runs of Mercedes dominance have ended in China and Canada, as well as last time out in Austria, putting Vettel in bullish mood.

"It's been a good Friday. We've had rough Fridays, but for a change, it seems like a good Friday," Vettel said.

"We try to kill their [Mercedes'] magic, obviously that's what we have tried over the last years and I think here and there we have succeeded quite well.

"It's true that they are very strong around here and we expect them to be very strong tomorrow, but I hope we can be there and I hope we can be close. That would be very good news.

"Historically it has not been a very strong track for us. But today has been a good start, and hopefully we can improve tomorrow and kill their magic."