2014 Malaysian Grand Prix Friday - Practice
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That's almost it for AUTOSPORT Live for Malaysian Grand Prix practice day.
Still to come on the site over the coming hours, our reporters will have the latest developments in the fuel-flow sensor row as the FIA reiterates its case, and GARY ANDERSON and EDD STRAW will give their assessment of the Sepang pecking order in the AUTOSPORT Friday Form Guide.
AUTOSPORT Live will return at 4.30am UK time on Saturday morning for as-it-happens coverage of practice three. See you then.
Still to come on the site over the coming hours, our reporters will have the latest developments in the fuel-flow sensor row as the FIA reiterates its case, and GARY ANDERSON and EDD STRAW will give their assessment of the Sepang pecking order in the AUTOSPORT Friday Form Guide.
AUTOSPORT Live will return at 4.30am UK time on Saturday morning for as-it-happens coverage of practice three. See you then.
Kevin Magnussen's podium was one of the least predictable elements of Melbourne.
McLaren's rookie seemed a little like he was already getting frustrated with the "can you do it again?" questions this afternoon - especially with the team a little off the pace.
"I have the same expectations and that is to do the best I can.
"I said since Australia I’m not getting carried away.
"The weekend hasn’t even started yet barely so there’s a long way to go."
McLaren's rookie seemed a little like he was already getting frustrated with the "can you do it again?" questions this afternoon - especially with the team a little off the pace.
"I have the same expectations and that is to do the best I can.
"I said since Australia I’m not getting carried away.
"The weekend hasn’t even started yet barely so there’s a long way to go."
Got a sense of Malaysian GP form after practice? Think it's going to be all about Mercedes, or are Ferrari, Williams and Red Bull's encouraging times a sign of a big fight up front?
Make your predictions, challenge your friends and win prizes at every race in the Castrol EDGE Grand Prix Predictor.
Make your predictions, challenge your friends and win prizes at every race in the Castrol EDGE Grand Prix Predictor.
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Back to happier people in Red Bull colours, and Vergne has continued to tell the press how excited he is about Toro Rosso's performance today.
He's trying to keep his feet on the ground though, here's his response to a question about whether he was expecting to be racing against McLaren, Ferrari and Williams:
"We’re still a little bit behind. We’re not dreamers!
"It will be difficult to beat them this weekend, but if I’m fighting with these guys I will be happy."
He's trying to keep his feet on the ground though, here's his response to a question about whether he was expecting to be racing against McLaren, Ferrari and Williams:
"We’re still a little bit behind. We’re not dreamers!
"It will be difficult to beat them this weekend, but if I’m fighting with these guys I will be happy."
Breaking news
Here's the full story, as Christian Horner says Red Bull needs FIA talks after suffering further fuel-flow sensor problems in practice...
Red Bull in 'awkward' position after new fuel-flow problems
Red Bull in 'awkward' position after new fuel-flow problems
We knew the fuel-flow sensor controversy wasn't going to go away until the appeal, especially with two grands prix taking place before then amid a situation where the champion team mistrusts the rulemakers' spec parts, and sure enough things are kicking off in the Sepang paddock.
JONATHAN NOBLE has been hearing from Christian Horner about the latest developments, story coming up in a moment.
JONATHAN NOBLE has been hearing from Christian Horner about the latest developments, story coming up in a moment.
Today's pacesetter Rosberg has expressed concerns about the level of tyre degradation following practice.
But Pirelli boss Paul Hembery doesn't think there's anything to be concerned about, suggesting it will be fine once the circuit cleans up with more F1 activity on it.
"If the surface is coated with something else then if affects dramatically what is happening, and you can't underestimate that," he said.
"Of course this is one of the most abrasive circuits of the season. The average temperature during the season tends to be around 25-30, not 45. The cars are sliding a lot as well, so they are putting a lot of energy into the tyres. If you slide too much you overheat the tyres even more and it gets worse and worse.
"If you had a blank piece of paper you'd build compounds for every circuit if you are dong it the right way, but you have four compounds for 19 circuits and sometimes you have better conditions than others. We haven't see anything of great concern."
But Pirelli boss Paul Hembery doesn't think there's anything to be concerned about, suggesting it will be fine once the circuit cleans up with more F1 activity on it.
"If the surface is coated with something else then if affects dramatically what is happening, and you can't underestimate that," he said.
"Of course this is one of the most abrasive circuits of the season. The average temperature during the season tends to be around 25-30, not 45. The cars are sliding a lot as well, so they are putting a lot of energy into the tyres. If you slide too much you overheat the tyres even more and it gets worse and worse.
"If you had a blank piece of paper you'd build compounds for every circuit if you are dong it the right way, but you have four compounds for 19 circuits and sometimes you have better conditions than others. We haven't see anything of great concern."
A Lotus statement summarises its troubled day as containing "various glitches of differing magnitudes", which seems apt.
The headline elements were a turbo problem for Maldonado and wiring issues causing gearbox dramas for Grosjean.
The headline elements were a turbo problem for Maldonado and wiring issues causing gearbox dramas for Grosjean.
Breaking news
And here's the full story of Raikkonen's encouraging Friday.
It's not exactly effusive excitement, but in the context of his season so far, the Finn's fans will be pleased to know that today's second places on the timesheets aren't totally deceptive:
Raikkonen sees progress with car issues
It's not exactly effusive excitement, but in the context of his season so far, the Finn's fans will be pleased to know that today's second places on the timesheets aren't totally deceptive:
Raikkonen sees progress with car issues
Good news for those globe-trotting Raikkonen fans we pictured earlier: their hero is happy today too. Well, happy-ish. Story on his progress coming up shortly.
Kamui Kobayashi describes his very short run this morning before the energy store issues and oil leak that ended his day struck:
"We did the normal installation lap and then another three laps of the baseline run but then the power started cutting in and out and we had to box to take a look at the problem."
And that was it for his Friday.
"We did the normal installation lap and then another three laps of the baseline run but then the power started cutting in and out and we had to box to take a look at the problem."
And that was it for his Friday.
Force India has officially confirmed that it was a fuel system issue that sidelined Sergio Perez for most of opening practice.
"Not an easy day," said the unimpressed Mexican. "I still feel we need to make a big step tonight to be ready for tomorrow."
"Not an easy day," said the unimpressed Mexican. "I still feel we need to make a big step tonight to be ready for tomorrow."
For a look at all the drivers' quotes from today in one place, head to our statistics partner FORIX - whose pages also give you a wealth of stats and data information (accessible by clicking on the drivers' names) throughout the weekend:
Driver quotes and comprehensive data on FORIX
Driver quotes and comprehensive data on FORIX
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Jean-Eric Vergne
Want some rampant positivity? Here's Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne, who was sixth in the morning and 11th in the afternoon:
"A really good day in general. I think we have done a nearly perfect Friday and I'm really happy with the performance of the car.
"We still have to find the best solution for a few little issues that can definitely make us quicker. We look quite strong so far and working hard tonight I'm sure we will have a good car for tomorrow and maybe fight again for Q3.
"It's a happy day."
Both Mercedes men, who were quickest in one session each today, said tyre degradation was a big issue.
But while Rosberg declared it "a lot more than predicted", Hamilton was less surprised:
"It's the same every time we come here. It's too hot for the tyres, they're not working well in these conditions. Even though we've got the hard tyre on they do not feel great, but it's the same for everyone."
But while Rosberg declared it "a lot more than predicted", Hamilton was less surprised:
"It's the same every time we come here. It's too hot for the tyres, they're not working well in these conditions. Even though we've got the hard tyre on they do not feel great, but it's the same for everyone."
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Lewis Hamilton was in no mood to make predictions when he met the press after practice.
Asked, essentially, if it was him versus Rosberg for the win this weekend, he replied:
"It's all speculation. How do I know? I don't even know if I'll get round the first lap tomorrow and finish the race.
"So I've just got to focus and hope that I do. Take it one step at a time."
Asked, essentially, if it was him versus Rosberg for the win this weekend, he replied:
"It's all speculation. How do I know? I don't even know if I'll get round the first lap tomorrow and finish the race.
"So I've just got to focus and hope that I do. Take it one step at a time."
It was another mediocre day for Sauber, as the Swiss cars came in between in the 13th-15th place region in both sessions.
Both drivers and team are making positive noises about small steps in the right direction, though.
But that progress is coming from getting on top of the existing car rather than any actual upgrades, as Gutierrez admitted earlier:
"We are getting the package working. This is the main focus at the moment."
He indicated it will be the European races before development parts flow.
Both drivers and team are making positive noises about small steps in the right direction, though.
But that progress is coming from getting on top of the existing car rather than any actual upgrades, as Gutierrez admitted earlier:
"We are getting the package working. This is the main focus at the moment."
He indicated it will be the European races before development parts flow.
BEN ANDERSON: "It's absolutely bucketing it down here at the Sepang circuit. Plenty of team personnel cowering under hospitality shelters, weighing up whether to wait for it to stop or make a dash for the garages. Had to borrow an umbrella from Lotus to keep dry on my way back to the media centre."
Rain
It's storm time at Sepang, by the way, as is often the case at this time of day. Tomorrow and Sunday, this will be when we're qualifying and racing...
Kimi Raikkonen fans
Here are some fans who will be perky this evening. Raikkonen was second quickest in both sessions, despite some spectacular moments along the way.
Has the Iceman got to grips with the F14 T after the tricky start to his Ferrari return? We'll bring you his verdict later.
Mercedes also confirms that the problem that stopped Hamilton in Australia is resolved so that engine is fine to re-use.
Mercedes has pointed out that it covered 100 laps today, just five short of what it managed in Friday practice here last year with a proven engine package.
Looking to the other end of the list, Lotus covered 20 laps today compared to 86 on Sepang Friday 2013, when it was fastest with Kimi Raikkonen...
Looking to the other end of the list, Lotus covered 20 laps today compared to 86 on Sepang Friday 2013, when it was fastest with Kimi Raikkonen...
Breaking news
Plenty going on outside F1 this weekend, including the starts of what should be epic IndyCar and British Touring Car Championship seasons.
Before that, though, the World Endurance Championship is holding its official 'prologue' test at Paul Ricard, where Toyota and Audi go head to head with the new LMP1 Porsche for the first time.
There will be plenty of news out of that event on AUTOSPORT, and here's some with some F1 interest, as ex-Mercedes reserve Sam Bird's sportscar career takes another step:
Bird gets AF Corse Le Mans 24 Hours seat
Before that, though, the World Endurance Championship is holding its official 'prologue' test at Paul Ricard, where Toyota and Audi go head to head with the new LMP1 Porsche for the first time.
There will be plenty of news out of that event on AUTOSPORT, and here's some with some F1 interest, as ex-Mercedes reserve Sam Bird's sportscar career takes another step:
Bird gets AF Corse Le Mans 24 Hours seat
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We ended practice today with six cars (split between four teams) covered by just 0.203s at the top of the timesheets.
For a while it had been the anticipated pre-season formation: Mercedes one-two, Williams three-four. But then Red Bull and Ferrari got involved too.
Williams man Massa, sixth today, wasn't surprised by this:
"Surprised? No. I am sure they have a competitive car and they are going to be there fighting. We saw also a good lap from Vettel, so he can be there fighting and I hope we can be there in a good direction to fight with them. I hope we can fight for the top five [in qualifying]."
For a while it had been the anticipated pre-season formation: Mercedes one-two, Williams three-four. But then Red Bull and Ferrari got involved too.
Williams man Massa, sixth today, wasn't surprised by this:
"Surprised? No. I am sure they have a competitive car and they are going to be there fighting. We saw also a good lap from Vettel, so he can be there fighting and I hope we can be there in a good direction to fight with them. I hope we can fight for the top five [in qualifying]."
Lotus mechanics
A picture that sums up the troubled end of the pitlane today: Lotus mechanics running to meet Maldonado's limping car as it trickles home with a blown turbo.
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And asked what the "best news" he had received from the track today was, Vettel replied very literally:
"It didn’t speak to me, I don’t know why. It didn’t speak Malay either."
"It didn’t speak to me, I don’t know why. It didn’t speak Malay either."
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After his frosty Thursday press conference, Vettel has been on more relaxed form today having been third quickest.
"I think we had a good day. Friday timings are not the most important in the world, but to be out there in the range with the other guys was a decent day.
"It was not a completely smooth day for both of us, for myself still some things to solve on the software side, programming the car, which sounds wrong but that is the way it is."
"I think we had a good day. Friday timings are not the most important in the world, but to be out there in the range with the other guys was a decent day.
"It was not a completely smooth day for both of us, for myself still some things to solve on the software side, programming the car, which sounds wrong but that is the way it is."
Rosberg's fastest time this afternoon means that Mercedes has now been quickest in six of the eight sessions of F1 2014 so far (counting practice and the separate qualifying segments).
The only anomalies are Alonso's first place on Friday morning in Melbourne and Ricciardo topping Q1 at home.
The only anomalies are Alonso's first place on Friday morning in Melbourne and Ricciardo topping Q1 at home.
Red Bull has reportedly already had further fuel sensor issues this weekend, but when quizzed about it, Ricciardo said the team had kept that headache off him.
"Someone told me, as I didn't even know about it. If we did have something then the team is probably aware not to tell me."
"Someone told me, as I didn't even know about it. If we did have something then the team is probably aware not to tell me."
Lotus deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi: "Pastor's turbo blew out, so we had to change the engine"
Breaking news
Charlie Whiting
JONATHAN NOBLE has been hearing from FIA race director Charlie Whiting as the Red Bull fuel-flow controversy continues to rumble in the paddock.
With more questions marks over sensor accuracy, would the FIA be changing its approach at all...? No, is the answer:
FIA won't alter fuel-flow rules approach
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Here's Valtteri Bottas's verdict on his day. He ended up ninth:
"It's quite tight. Today, it wasn't the best lap on the option tyres so there is definitely more to come.
"We still need more downforce. In high-speed corners some cars are quite a bit stronger. We have our own strengths, but we need to focus on the weaknesses if we want to improve.
"At least it seems like our straightline speeds are good, which is always nice in the race."
"It's quite tight. Today, it wasn't the best lap on the option tyres so there is definitely more to come.
"We still need more downforce. In high-speed corners some cars are quite a bit stronger. We have our own strengths, but we need to focus on the weaknesses if we want to improve.
"At least it seems like our straightline speeds are good, which is always nice in the race."
The headlines from FP2:
* Mercedes stays ahead, topping both Friday sessions.
* Some drivers found their tyres were suffering quickly over long stints.
* Lotus's dire problems continued, with Grosjean suffering gearbox issues and Maldonado failing to run
* Chilton spun out at Turn 3 before rejoining halfway through the session
* Ricciardo took a trip through the gravel trap on his final lap.
* Mercedes stays ahead, topping both Friday sessions.
* Some drivers found their tyres were suffering quickly over long stints.
* Lotus's dire problems continued, with Grosjean suffering gearbox issues and Maldonado failing to run
* Chilton spun out at Turn 3 before rejoining halfway through the session
* Ricciardo took a trip through the gravel trap on his final lap.
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A perspiring (and ever smiling) Ricciardo reckons there is room for improvement ahead of qualifying and, more importantly, the race:
"We were a little bit off the pace this morning," said the Aussie driver. "The long run stuff could have been better, but reliability was good, so I'm happy with that."
"We were a little bit off the pace this morning," said the Aussie driver. "The long run stuff could have been better, but reliability was good, so I'm happy with that."
AUTOSPORT's reporters are now in the thick of the paddock activity getting drivers' and team bosses' reaction to events in practice today.
Breaking news
Nico Rosberg
Here's the full story and complete results from that practice session:
Malaysian GP practice two report: Rosberg edges Raikkonen
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Rosberg is currently talking to reporters, telling them "It was a decent day, but it was also a challenge. There was massive degradation."
He also hints that fuel-saving won't be an issue for him come Sunday afternoon.
He also hints that fuel-saving won't be an issue for him come Sunday afternoon.
We'll have a full report online soon, and AUTOSPORT Live will keep rolling all day to bring you the latest from the paddock.
So, the top 10 at the end of FP2:
1 Rosberg 1m39.909s
2 Raikkonen 1m39.944s
3 Vettel 1m39.970s
4 Hamilton 1m40.051s
5 Alonso 1m40.103s
6 Massa 1m40.112s
7 Ricciardo 1m40.276s
8 Button 1m40.628s
9 Bottas 1m40.638s
10 Hulkenberg 1m40.691s
1 Rosberg 1m39.909s
2 Raikkonen 1m39.944s
3 Vettel 1m39.970s
4 Hamilton 1m40.051s
5 Alonso 1m40.103s
6 Massa 1m40.112s
7 Ricciardo 1m40.276s
8 Button 1m40.628s
9 Bottas 1m40.638s
10 Hulkenberg 1m40.691s
Replays show Ricciardo's off-track moment came at Turn 11. No major damage incurred.
By: Matt Beer, Ben Anderson, Andrew van Leeuwen, Edd Straw, Jonathan Noble, Dan Cross
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