Sebastian Vettel urges Aston Martin to "get in the groove" for vital qualifying

Vettel, Aston Martin, Austria — Photo: © LAT Images

Hungarian Grand Prix

Vettel urges Aston Martin to "get in the groove" for vital qualifying

Vettel finished eighth in second practice at the Hungaroring

Will Gray

Friday 30 July 2021 19:00

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Sebastian Vettel has urged Aston Martin to "get in the groove" for what will be a "crucial" qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The German enjoyed a strong Friday at the Hungaroring, finishing second practice eighth fastest as he aims to re-kickstart his campaign after three scoreless events.

The relentless turns at the Hungarian track leave little time for a driver to think around a lap and with overtaking opportunities at a premium in Sunday’s race Vettel knows Saturday afternoon will be make or break.

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“If we would qualify tomorrow where we finished today it would probably be a decent place, but we want more so let’s see what we can find overnight," said Vettel.

“We had a decent day, no troubles, we did a bit of tyre work this morning, I think we know where the limitations are and hopefully we will figure out something clever for tomorrow.

“On this track, you can make a difference if you have absolute trust in the car. It’s one corner after the other, so not much time to think, and it just needs to happen. So if we can get in the groove tomorrow I think we can have a decent session.”

Vettel feels Hungarian success could be weather dependent

After the intense heat on the opening day of practice, in which track temperatures exceeded 60 degrees, thunderstorms are forecasted across the weekend, although there is a chance the scorching conditions of Friday could return for the race.

Vettel feels the hot weather could help Aston Martin. He added: “I think hot conditions generally suit the softer tyre.

"For quali, tomorrow, it is about one lap, it will be crucial for the race to position ourselves well, then we go from there.

“It is very, very difficult to overtake, not impossible, but very difficult, especially when we are so close to each other.

"I think there will be limited overtaking but having said so, we will see what happens on the weather front.”