Engine-short Vettel to limit practice laps

(GMM) Sebastian Vettel's two Renault engine failures at Valencia last weekend means he will have to ease back on practice mileage for the rest of his 2009 championship challenge.

"The last thing I want is a penalty," the Red Bull driver is quoted as saying on Thursday from Spa-Francorchamps.

"That means I will drive less on Friday in practice," said Vettel, 22, according to the German news agency SID.

It is believed that, in addition to the fresh V8 unit that will be in his car for qualifying and Sunday's Belgian grand prix, the German has just one more fresh Renault in the bag for the remainder of the season.

"Naturally that's not an advantage, but it's better to sit and drink some coffee (by not running much in practice) than have to start ten places behind," he explained.