Hamilton sets the fastest time in the opening practice session

Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in opening practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix, ahead of Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button.

The McLaren Mercedes driver took the lead at the halfway point with his teammate Jenson Button making it a one-two for the British team. It looked set to stay this way until a late surge from Nico Rosberg. An impressive lap from the German saw him move up into 2nd position, right between Hamilton and Button.

Michael Schumacher ensured there were four Mercedes-powered cars at the top of the timesheets by setting the fourth fastest time, three tenths of a second away from Hamilton’s best lap. There could be more to come from the former World Champion as he did only 14 laps, having spent the first hour waiting for his mechanics to finish work on the rear of his car.

Early pace-setter Robert Kubica ended the session in fifth place ahead of Red Bull’s Mark Webber.

There were a few trips in the gravel from Felipe Massa and Pedro de la Rosa.

Jaime Alguersuari missed a bit of running because of an electrical problem on his Toro Rosso.

Fairuz Fauzy finally made his Grand Prix debut with the Lotus Team and did a decent job, lapping within half a second of team-mate Jarno Trulli. Heikki Kovalainen will be back at the wheel this afternoon.

Paul di Resta was also back in action for Force India - this time in Liuzzi’s car.