Rosberg pleased with practice gains

Rosberg and team-mate Michael Schumacher were only eighth and 10th in the morning, but took first and third later on.

"We improved the car over the course of the day but it didn't feel great initially with the new track, lower downforce and the conditions were very sandy this morning," Rosberg explained.

"So we had a few balance issues to work on but it came together very well this afternoon. There are areas where we can still improve but we have a good comparison with the tyre compounds and on the long runs. Overall we learnt a great deal today so it's a positive start to the weekend."

Schumacher was half a second adrift of his team-mate today, but said that was partly because he had not yet got back up to speed on single flying laps.

"We worked very well this afternoon after having a few issues with the balance this morning," said the returning champion.

""The car felt much better in the second session although I am still a little rusty on one lap runs and need to get back into the routine. On the long runs, the car felt good and once you get into the rhythm, it feels very natural. I'm happy with our work today and feeling ready for the weekend."