Silverstone, Britain - The Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber led the way on Friday in the first practice session for the British Formula One Grand Prix which was overshadowed by the plan of eight major teams to quit the sport.

The German Vettel clocked 1 minute 19.400 seconds over the 5.141-kilometres lap, with Australia's Webber on 1:19.682 minutes.

The Red Bulls pipped season leaders Brawn GP as championship frontrunner Jenson Button started his home race action on 1:20.227 and team-mate Rubens Barrichello had 1:20.242 minutes.

Button has won six of seven races as he tops the standings with 61 points from Barrichello (31), with Vettel third on 29 points. Vettel won the other race, in China.

Former world champion Fernando Alonso was fifth in a Renault, Felipe Massa sixth in a Ferrari and reigning champion Lewis Hamilton eighth in his McLaren-Mercedes.

But racing took a back seat on the day after eight teams (Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren, Toyota, Renault, Toro Rosso, Brawn and BMW-Sauber) organized in the umbrella organization FOTA announced they will form a new series due a budget cap row with the ruling body FIA.

Another practice session was set for later Friday, qualifying is Saturday and the 60-lap race on Sunday. (dpa)