Kimi Raikkonen set the fastest time in the second free practice session for the 2013 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix in Sepang, before rain half an hour from the end prevented anyone from challenging his position.
Raikkonen edged out
Sebastian Vettel and
Felipe Massa, by 0.019s and 0.92s respectively, with 1m 36.569s for
Lotus compared to the Red Bull's 1m 36.588s and the
Ferrari's 1m 36.661s.
Fernando Alonso was fourth in the second Ferrari F138 on 1m 36.985s, before
Mark Webber for Red Bull on 1m 37.026s,
Romain Grosjean for Lotus on 1m 36.206s,
Nico Rosberg for
Mercedes on 1m 37.448s,
Paul di Resta for
Force India on 1m 37.571s,
Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes on 1m 37.574s,
Adrian Sutil for Force India on 1m 37.788s and the
McLarens of
Sergio Perez and
Jenson Button on 1m 37.838s and 1m 37.865s respectively.
More than most, Mercedes focused mainly on longer runs on the medium tyres, rather than on outright speed like many of their competitors.
Outside the top dozen, Nico Hulkenberg narrowly edged out
Sauber team mate
Esteban Gutierrez, with 1m 38.068s to 1m 38.38.645s. Both spun; the Mexican dropped it out on the track, the German in the pit road once the rain had left the road very slick.
Jean Eric-Vergne continued to hold the upper hand over Toro Rosso partner
Daniel Ricciardo, with 1m 38.738s and 15th place to 1m 38.904s and 17th, with
Pastor Maldonado placing his
Williams between them with 1m 38.801s.
Jules Bianchi again performed well for
Marussia on his first acquaintance with Sepang; the Frenchman lapped in 1m 39.508s for 18th place ahead of Williams'
Valtteri Bottas on 1m 39.660s, the Caterhams of
Charles Pic and
Giedo van der Garde on 1m 40.757s and 1m 40.768s apiece, and team mate
Max Chilton on 1m 41.438s. (Formula1.com)
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