Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is fastest in practice

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso speeds across the Hockenheimring circuit during the second free practice of the Formula One German GP yesterday. Pic/AFP

The 28-year-old Ferrari driver, 19th fastest in the morning, posted a time of one minute 16.265 seconds with just over half an hour remaining of the session as the Hockenheimring began to dry and drivers were able to remove their wet weather tyres. The Spaniard, however, said his recent experiences have taught him to take nothing for granted. "The target is to finally have a perfect weekend. We've done some good Fridays but we need to do a perfect Saturday and perfect Sunday," said Alonso.

Home favourite Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull was second quickest, the German just 0.02 seconds slower. He was followed by Brazilian Felipe Massa, a further 0.2 seconds adrift in the second Ferrari.

Australian Mark Webber was fourth quickest in the second Red Bull ahead of Mercedes drivers Germans Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher, who were fifth and sixth quickest respectively. McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton sat most of the session out while his team repaired his car, but rejoined the session late on and wound up seventh fastest.

Defending champion Jenson Button clocked the 15th fastest time.

Alonso said the changing track conditions meant it was hard to judge the results.

"Perhaps this Friday times were even more strange because of the conditions, which changed constantly. Now we have to analyse all the data we have. But it was a positive Friday."

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