Hakkinen has the edge after day one in Malaysia

Michael Schumacher and Ferrari had dominated the morning session, but in the baking 36-degree afternoon heat, the Finn showed the world title may have gone but his speed has not.

He was just 14 thousandths of a second faster than the man who stole his crown almost two weeks ago, with McLaren team mate David Coulthard third and Rubens Barrichello fourth in the other Ferrari.

The double champion spun three minutes from the end of the session in his attempt to go even faster.

Coulthard had a brief off onto the grass too, at the entry to KLIA Curve, but saved his McLaren from the sand trap, while Jos Verstappen, whose future is still on the line, spun his Arrows at Langkawi Curve on his way to 11th.

Mika Salo, competing for the last time in a Sauber before moving to Toyota next year, had to abandon his car after he spun at Sunway Lagoon Corner. He was 19th quickest of the 22 cars.

Jarno Trulli was fifth fastest in his Jordan Mugen-Honda as he looks to resurrect his dismal year. "Even if I won here, it would not save the season," he admitted.

Ralf Schumacher was sixth, with Williams-BMW team mate Jenson Button a lowly 12th as he comes to terms with a new circuit for the last time in his debut season and has his sights set on finishing on the podium.

Ricardo Zonta was seventh quickest and the Benettons of Giancarlo Fisichella and Alexander Wurz eighth and ninth. The other Jordan of Heinz-Harald Frentzen rounds out the top 10.

For combined results of today's practice sessions click here.