Hamilton quickest in Malaysia free practice

Mar 21, 2008, 8:46 GMT

Sepang, Malaysia - Lewis Hamilton, coming off a win last weekend in Melbourne, turned in the fastest lap time in Friday's two practice sessions ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The McLaren-Mercedes driver, who finished second in the standings in his rookie season last year, and followed it up Sunday with a win at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix took 1 minute, 35.055 seconds to complete the 5.54-kilometre International Sepang Circuit in the afternoon practice, bettering his fifth-place finish from the morning.

Following on his heels were two Ferrari drivers, Brazilian Felipe Massa, 0.151 seconds behind Hamilton, and defending world champion Kimi Raikkonen at 0.373 seconds behind the leader.

Massa, however, took the top spot in the morning practice over his tea-mate after the Finn ran out of fuel.

Raikkonen was reduced to coasting on an empty tank after eight laps because of an internal communications problem, a Ferrari spokesman said.

Massa's best time on the track outside Kuala Lumpur in the morning session was clocked at 1:35.392. Raikkonen finished 1.067 seconds behind him, followed by McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen, 1.164 seconds slower than Massa.

Defending Malaysian Grand Prix winner Fernando Alonso was sixth in the first practice and 14th in the second.

Qualifying takes place on Saturday ahead of Sunday's race.