Vettel had impressed at the  by setting the fastest time in one session, but he set the fastest time in both Friday practice sessions at this Grand Prix. The race was also the first race to see the introduction of a new High Speed Barrier developed by the FIA Institute and the FIA. The system, which was installed at the end of the run-off areas at the circuit's second chicane and Parabolica corners, was designed for use at corners with high speed approaches and limited run-off areas.
Vettel excelled at the Grand Prix by setting the fastest time in one session, but he set the fastest times in both Friday practice sessions. The race was also the first to feature a new High Speed Barrier developed by the FIA Institute and the FIA. The system, installed at the end of the run-off areas at the circuit's second chicane and Parabolica corners, was designed for use at corners with high speed approaches and limited run-off areas.