Suzukan, Japan: Sebastian Vettel was fastest in the second practice at the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday, indicating he's on track to clinch his fourth Formula One championship this weekend.
Vettel was 0.168 seconds faster than Red Bull teammate Mark Webber around the Suzuka circuit. Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg was two tenths of a second off Vettel.
“The car balance is decent, but I think we can still improve,” Vettel said. “Looking after the tires will be important here, especially during the race. The car works fine at the moment, but we need to make sure we set it up the right way.”
Vettel has won three of the past four races in Japan and can clinch his fourth successive world title in Sunday's race. The title will be his if he wins and nearest rival Fernando Alonso finishes ninth or worse.
Webber, who will leave F1 after the season, is hoping for better luck at Suzuka after his car burst into flames at the Korean GP last Sunday.
