Mark Webber recorded the fastest times in yesterday's two opening practice sessions ahead of tomorrow's German Grand Prix.
His best time of one minute and 31.770 seconds was one-tenth of a second faster than Fernando Alonso for Ferrari.
Vettel was third quickest, followed by Felipe Massa in fourth, then the two Mercedes drivers Michael Schumaker and Nico Rosberg were fifth and sixth respectively.
Lewis Hamilton was seventh for McLaren, followed by the Renaults - Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov.
Adrian Sutil was tenth quickest in his Force India.