Red Bull's Mark Webber led the first free practice session at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Friday with championship leader Kimi Raikkonen snapping at his heels.
Webber clocked the fastest time of 1min 36.935sec around a sun-baked Sepang circuit with Raikkonen, winner of last week's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, just seven-hundredths of a second slower.
Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull's three-time defending world champion, was third quickest in the 90-minute warm-up drive, with his rival Fernando Alonso of Ferrari fourth.
Nico Rosberg, Adrian Sutil, Felipe Massa, Paul di Resta, Lewis Hamilton and Romain Grosjean rounded out the top 10 in the largely experimental session as teams size up their best options for Sunday's race.
Tropical heat and sudden downpours make the Malaysian Grand Prix one of the most demanding of the season with an extra challenge this year in preserving Pirelli's new, faster-degrading tyres.
The drivers will head out for another practice session at 2:00 pm (0600 GMT) with a third run-out on Saturday, followed by qualifying. The race is on Sunday.
Here is a rundown of the first and second free practice times on Friday for the Malaysian Grand Prix:
Free practice 2
1. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Lotus 1:36.569, 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Racing 1:36.588, 3. Felipe Massa (BRA) Scuderia Ferrari 1:36.661, 4. Fernando Alonso (ESP) Scuderia Ferrari 1:36.985, 5. Mark Webber (AUS) Red Bull Racing 1:37.026, 6. Romain Grosjean (FRA) Lotus 1:37.206, 7. Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 1:37.448, 8. Paul di Resta (GBR) Force India 1:37.571, 9. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes 1:37.574, 10. Adrian Sutil (GER) Force India 1:37.788, 11. Sergio Perez (MEX) McLaren Mercedes 1:37.838, 12. Jenson Button (GBR) McLaren Mercedes 1:37.865, 13. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Sauber 1:38.068, 14. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX) Sauber 1:38.645, 15. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:38.738, 16. Pastor Maldonado (VEN) Williams 1:38.801, 17. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:38.904, 18. Jules Bianchi (FRA) Marussia 1:39.508, 19. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Williams 1:39.660, 20. Charles Pic (FRA) Caterham 1:40.757, 21. Giedo van der Garde (NED) Caterham 1:40.768, 22. Max Chilton (GBR) Marussia 1:41.438
Free practice 1
1. Mark Webber (AUS) Red Bull Racing 1:36.935, 2. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Lotus 1:37.003, 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Racing 1:37.104, 4. Fernando Alonso (ESP) Scuderia Ferrari 1:37.319, 5. Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 1:37.588, 6. Adrian Sutil (GER) Force India 1:37.769, 7. Felipe Massa (BRA) Scuderia Ferrari 1:37.771, 8. Paul di Resta (GBR) Force India 1:37.773, 9. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes 1:37.840, 10. Romain Grosjean (FRA) Lotus 1:37.915, 11. Jenson Button (GBR) McLaren Mercedes 1:38.173, 12. Pastor Maldonado (VEN) Williams 1:38.673, 13. Sergio Perez (MEX) McLaren Mercedes 1:38.830, 14. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Sauber 1:39.054, 15. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX) Sauber 1:39.204, 16. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Williams 1:39.208, 17. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:39.284, 18. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:39.567, 19. Giedo van der Garde (NED) Caterham 1:40.728, 20. Jules Bianchi (FRA) Marussia 1:40.996, 21. Charles Pic (FRA) Caterham 1:41.163, 22. Max Chilton (GBR) Marussia 1:41.513
AFP
Fri Mar 22 2013
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.