Sebastian Vettel set the pace in Thursday practice ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.

Vettel clocked the fastest ever lap in Monte Carlo with a 1:12.720s to finish 0.487s clear of Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo.

Red Bull displayed a visible upgrade to its RB13 with the addition of the T-wing on the engine cover of both its cars.

Ricciardo managed to split the Ferraris with Kimi Raikkonen third fastest, just over half-a-second off the pace, with Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat half a tenth further back in fourth.

Team-mate Carlos Sainz ended up fifth while Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was sixth, ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) on combined times.

Hamilton and Bottas had clocked times for first and fourth respectively in the opening 90 minute practice session, before a set-up change saw the pair unable to match their earlier pace.

The top 10 was rounded out by Force India’s Sergio Perez, Haas F1’s Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne (McLaren).

Second practice was red-flagged with 36 minutes remaining when Lance Stroll crashed at Casino Square.

The Williams driver, who was 16th fastest, lost the rear at the top of the hill before sliding into the barrier.

Second practice was a scrappier session than the morning overall, with Esteban Ocon hitting the barrier at the downhill right-hander before Portier.

Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson, who failed to complete a lap time in first practice because of a gearbox problem, nudged the barrier at Casino Square, forcing him to pit.

McLaren returnee Jenson Button had another solid session, the Briton clocking the 12th quickest time in second practice  to finish just 0.035s adrift of team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne.

There was more frustration for Renault, with Nico Hulkenberg ending the session 17th quickest, having failed to set a time at all due to mechanical problems in the morning.

His team-mate Jolyon Palmer pulled off track at Portier early in the session with smoke pouring from the rear of his Renault. He completed just eight laps.

Result: Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix Practice 2

Result: Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix Practice 1

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Exhaust Systems Australia

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Exhaust Systems Australia is a leading Australian supplier and manufacturer of high-performance and replacement exhaust systems. With operations in Victoria and Queensland, the company serves both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive range...

Exhaust Systems Australia is a leading Australian supplier and manufacturer of high-performance and replacement exhaust systems. With operations in Victoria and Queensland, the company serves...