Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton recovered from engine issues to top the second practice session of the Malaysian grand prix on medium tyres this morning.
He was sidelined after just four laps in the first session, but mechanics repaired the engine without incurring a penalty. He set the pace after just his second lap of the second session.
Team-mate Nico Rosberg had led the first session with a fastest lap of one minute, 40.124 seconds around the sweeping 5.54 km Sepang International Circuit to finish ahead of the resurgent Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel on a sweltering morning in Malaysia.
Fernando Alonso enjoyed a smooth return to action after missing the season-opening race in Australia due to concussion caused by a crash in winter testing, the Spaniard completing 20 laps in his McLaren to finish 14th after 90 minutes of action in the first session.
The session was also notable for Manor Marussia, who despite setting the slowest times of the morning, were able to get their modified 2014 cars out on the track after failing to even manage that in Melbourne.
SECOND SESSION TIMES
1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 1:39.790 2. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 1:40.163 3. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 1:40.218 4. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) RedBull - Renault 1:40.346 5. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams-Mercedes 1:40.450 6. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes 1:40.560 7. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 1:40.652 8. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Toro Rosso - Renault 1:41.220 9. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber - Ferrari 1:41.261 10. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) RedBull - Renault 1:41.799 11. Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela) Lotus - Mercedes 1:41.877 12. Felipe Nasr (Brazil) Sauber - Ferrari 1:41.988 13. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes 1:42.242 14. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso - Renault 1:42.291 15. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Force India - Mercedes 1:42.330 16. Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren 1:42.506 17. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren 1:42.637 18. Romain Grosjean (France) Lotus - Mercedes 1:42.948 19. Will Stevens (Britain) Marussia - Ferrari 1:45.704 20. Roberto Merhi (Spain) Marussia - Ferrari 1:47.229