Formula One News

Hamilton sets pace in practice for Malaysian Grand Prix

By Jens Marx Mar 23, 2012, 10:14 GMT

Sepang, Malaysia - McLaren's Lewis Hamilton topped both practice sessions for Formula One's Malaysian Grand Prix while team-mate Jenson Button was third fastest after suffering an oil leak in the first session.

Mercedes were also strong, with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher second and Nico Rosberg fourth.

World champion Sebastian Vettel was 10th in the second practice after a second-fastest time in the Red Bull in the morning session.

'Looking at the times we would have liked to have been a bit higher,' said Vettel, who is looking for a third straight victory in Malaysia.

However, the 24-year-old German said the team was still experiencing problems with the car's balance.

'We are sliding a bit too much and I would love the car to be more predictable and stable in the beginning,' he said.

'McLaren looked very strong, no doubt. I think we are closer on long-run pace so we'll see what we can do.'

McLaren's performance appeared to confirm the team's improvement following Button's victory in the Australian Grand Prix Sunday, when Hamilton - who was fastest in qualifying in Melbourne - finished third.

Hamilton clocked a fastest lap of 1 minute 38.172 in the second practice, slightly slower than his 1:38.021 in the first session. Schumacher was 0.361 seconds behind and Button 0.363 seconds back.

'It was a good day for me,' Hamilton said. 'I was quite happy with the balance of the car, I've made some changes since the last race but obviously it can always be better.'

Schumacher meanwhile played down the chances of gaining his first pole position since returning from retirement two years ago.

'It would be optimistic to say so,' he said. 'I think we are going to be fighting for fifth position.'

Both Toro Rosso drivers finished in the top 10. Daniel Riccardo was fifth-fasest in the second session, and was followed by Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), Mark Webber (Red Bull), team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne and Romain Grosjean (Lotus).

Qualifying Saturday will determine grid positions for Sunday's race.

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