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's strong performance at this Grand Prix, including setting fastest times in both Friday practice sessions, was notable due to the introduction of a new High Speed Barrier system developed by the FIA Institute and the FIA for corners with high speed approaches and limited run-off areas.