Defiant Vettel leads Ferrari domination

MANAMA, Bahrain: A defiant Sebastian Vettel clocked the fastest time as he and Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc dominated Friday’s floodlit second free practice for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

The four-time champion German delivered a best lap in one minute and 28.846 seconds to outpace his new Monegasque partner by 0.035 seconds at the top of the time-lists, the pair winding up six-tenths clear of Lewis Hamilton.

“From the team’s point of view, I hope Melbourne was a one-off,” said a relieved Vettel.

“I really like the car in winter testing and it wasn’t there in Australia so I am hoping this is it again.”

Hamilton, the defending five-time world champion, was unable to match

Ferrari’s pace in his Mercedes as he took third ahead of team-mate Valtteri

Bottas, winner of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

“It’s hard work out there for everyone,” said Hamilton.

Vettel, who has taken pole three times before at the Sakhir circuit, is seeking to become the first driver to win three Bahrain races in succession.