On a drizzly day in Shanghai, Fernando Alonso posted the fastest lap time to impress the new Ferrari team principal. He was challenged all the way by Mercedes, although only Nico Rosberg saw the end of the session, as Lewis Hamilton's running was cut short by a suspension problem.

There were a couple of spins, as Daniil Kvyat got to grips with the track. The Toro Rosso driver spun off into the gravel but managed to recover and continue. Pastor Maldonado had an odd incident, in which the corner ended but he kept turning - replays showing he appeared to be concentrating on the steering wheel rather than the road in front of him.