• Brazilian Grand Prix - FP3

Kubica tops wet final practice

ESPNF1 Staff
November 6, 2010
Robert Kubica was fastest in the wet © Getty Images
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Robert Kubica made the most of a drying circuit to top the timesheets during the final practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Renault driver broke Sebastian Vettel's stranglehold on the top spot so far this weekend, with a time 0.309 seconds faster than the Red Bull. But it's worth noting that Kubica's time was set towards the end of the session and on slightly fresher intermediate tyres, giving him more grip around the 2.6 mile track than Vettel had on his run.

The Red Bull driver did go out for a late run but only gave himself enough time for one attempt, which he ruined by running wide at the first corner. Lewis Hamilton was another late runner but two front tyre lock-ups in the twisty middle sector cost him time and he finished third, 0.036 off Vettel.

However, the times are academic as track conditions will almost certainly change for qualifying - probably getting wetter with more rain forecast - and the drivers will all be using a fresh set of tyres, in the same conditions and at the same time.

Ferrari showed promise for qualifying, setting the fourth and fifth fastest times with championship leader Fernando Alonso clocking a series of fastest laps midway through the session. Like Mark Webber, who was only 11th fastest, the Ferraris opted not to head out for a last minute run, confident that there was nothing more to be learnt on the damp track.

Vitaly Petrov clocked a solid lap for sixth, while Sebastien Buemi put in a very impressive lap midway through the session that was still good enough for seventh by the chequered flag.

Jenson Button, who has enjoyed some of his best races in the wet earlier this year, complained of similar balance issues to the ones he had in Korea. To start with the car was not turning in, but when he addressed the issue with his mechanics the rear end became difficult to control mid-corner.

More rain is expected ahead of qualifying, meaning a topsy-turvy grid is possible for Sunday's race.

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