On a dry track at Shanghai International Circuit, the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen has topped the first practice session. McLaren driver Fernando Alonso was hot on his heels just 0.084 seconds behind. Massa and Hamilton finished third and fourth to complete an expected Ferrari McLaren top four lock-out. All four had minor off-track excursions during the session, although each was able to rejoin the track without any problems or damage.
The BMWs are looking strong again, with Nico Rosberg managing fifth place on the softer of the two tyres, 0.6 seconds off the pace. Kubica in the BMW managed sixth, with team-mate Heidfeld only managing 10th thanks to a gearbox oil leak meaning he was unable to take part for around 30 minutes of the session.
Unofficial Times for Free Practice 1 at the 2007 Chinese Grand Prix:
