Vettel surprised by stunning debut

The youngest driver to take part in a Formula One Grand Prix weekend, at 19 years and 53 days, Vettel ended the afternoon as the quickest man on track with a lap 1:28.091.

He had already established himself as a young man in a hurry with a $1,000 fine for speeding in the pitlane just nine seconds after the morning session started.

Even if the German does not race on Sunday, he certainly set out his credentials as a prospect for the future at a track other drivers have likened to Belgium's classic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

"I am surprised at this result," Vettel said. "It has been difficult for me as I didn't know the circuit and have had only one proper Formula One test. However, I felt very comfortable, I was able to deliver some information and on top of it all it was great.

"What happens in the fast corners is just indescribable. My second session was a lot quicker, and on top of that I learnt two Formula One lessons on my first day.

"In the first session I forgot to press the pit lane speed limiter, which is going to be expensive, and after the second session the system chose me for a drug test."

The young German was praised by BMW boss Mario Theissen after the session.

"He completed his entire programme with no mistakes and laid a good basis for the set-up work for the cars," Theissen said. "Setting the fastest lap today was not on the agenda, but it is the icing on the cake."