Alonso Fastest In First Practice At Turkish GP

ISTANBUL – Fernando Alonso posted the fastest time Friday in a rainy first practice for the Turkish Grand Prix, while Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel crashed and was unharmed.

Two-time F1 champ Alonso has been struggling this season, failing to finish on the podium in all three races so far, and his strong performance in cool, slippery conditions was a welcome confidence boost for Ferrari.

The Spanish driver completed 13 laps and set a fastest lap of 1 minute, 38.67 seconds – 1.402 seconds faster than Nico Rosberg, and 1.462 quicker than seven-time champ Michael Schumacher, who twice spun.

The wet conditions at the Istanbul Park track caused problems throughout, with new drivers Paul Di Resta and Pastor Maldonado also spinning.