Ferraris fastest in Malaysian GP first practice

Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen topped the timesheets in first free practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Friday, restoring pride for Ferrari fans after a turbulent week.

Massa ended the opening practice session at Sepang with the fastest time of 1:35.392, followed by world champion Raikkonen 1.067 seconds behind.

Neither driver reached the chequered flag at the season-opening grand prix in Australia last week as Ferrari suffered their worst start to a Formula One campaign since 1992.

McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen was third quickest while the Williams of Nico Rosberg, who earned a career-best third place in Australia last week, was fourth fastest.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton finished 1.234 seconds off Brazilian Massa's pace as the fifth quickest with double world champion Fernando Alonso sixth fastest around the 5.543km circuit.

The second free practice session begins later on Friday. - Reuters