Vettel sets pace in Canada final practice

By Steve Keating

MONTREAL (Reuters) - Formula One leader Sebastian Vettel bounced back from Friday's crash to clock the fastest time in the final practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday.

The world champion, winner of five of the season's first six races, got his weekend off to stuttering start when he smashed into the Wall of Champions during Friday's first practice, causing heavy damage the right side of his Red Bull.

But the 23-year-old German was quickly back setting the pace as he blitzed around the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in a course record of one minute 13.381 seconds under grey skies with a forecast of showers for qualifying later in the day.

Red Bull has dominated qualifying this season capturing all six poles, Vettel grabbing five and team mate Mark Webber one.

Spanish double world champion Fernando Alonso, fastest in Friday's afternoon practice, was second quickest with 1:13.701 offering hope that Ferrari, without a pole since Singapore last September, might be able to take the fight to Red Bull.

Germany's Nico Rosberg brought Mercedes home with the third best time followed by Brazilian Felipe Massa in the second Ferrari.

McLaren team mates Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, a double winner in Montreal, were fifth and sixth respectively.

Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa was 17th fastest in the Sauber after being drafted in as a replacement Mexican rookie Sergio Perez who was still feeling the effects of his big Monaco crash.

But the McLaren reserve driver finished the session with his nose in the wall after spinning off course.

(Editing by Brian Homewood)