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Alonso quickest in German GP practice

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso looks like the man to beat after recording the fastest lap ahead of this weekend's German GP.
Ferrari's Fernando Alonso looks like the man to beat after recording the fastest lap ahead of this weekend's German GP.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Ferrari's Fernando Alonso goes quickest in practice for the German Grand Prix
  • The former world champion pips Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa
  • The Mercedes Silver Arrows of Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher are fifth and sixth
  • World championship leader Lewis Hamilton escapes unhurt after crash in first practice

(CNN) -- Spain's Fernando Alonso was quickest in Friday practice at Hockenheim ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix.

The two-time champion recorded the fastest lap of the day of one minute 16.265 seconds in the afternoon session.

Ferrari and Red Bull dominated proceedings, with Alonso's teammate Felipe Massa third, sandwiched between the Red Bull's of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

Australian Webber, who won last year's race, told the Formula One official website: "It wasn't the easiest day for everyone -- the track conditions were pretty tricky, so selecting the right tires at the right time wasn't straightforward, but we got some good information out of P2 when the track was pretty dry.

Ferrari look strong and I'm looking forward to the race
--Mark Webber
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"We were also able to learn how both types of wet tire worked here, so we evaluated the car in almost all conditions today.

"The car felt good, but we've got some work to do tonight. Ferrari look strong and I'm looking forward to the race."

'Iconic' Silver Arrows comes home

A rain-drenched opening session proved costly for most drivers, including championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who was lucky to escape unhurt after crashing his McLaren early on.

Following the incident, Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, had only 12 minutes to spare in a dry second session but still managed to finish seventh, ahead of teammate Jenson Button who finished a disappointing 15th.

Despite being the second slowest in the opening session, Michael Schumacher's eagerly awaited return to racing in Germany saw him finish practice sixth fastest.

Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg continues to out-perform his compatriot, after finishing the day one place in front in fifth.

Elsewhere, Force India's Adrian Suitil, one of six Germans aiming for victory on their home circuit, was quickest in the first session but could only finish the second down in 14th position.

Renault's Robert Kubica was eighth ahead of Williams' Rubens Barrichello ninth, with Nico Hulkenberg completing the top 10.