Ahead of the first of today's two forty-five minute free practice sessions, the air temperature is 29 degrees C, as is the track temperature. And that's at nine in the morning. Once again, it's bright sunshine, with hardly a cloud in the sky.

The drivers have now made their tyre choice for the remainder of the weekend, and all that remains - over the course of the next ninety minutes - is to find the optimum set up for qualifying and the race.

The big news is that Takuma Sato has withdrawn from the rest of the weekend's events as he has a fever. The Japanese driver will be replaced by Anthony Davidson, which if we believe what Autosport magazine is saying (as if), will give Peter Sauber the perfect opportunity to weigh-up the youngster.

As the lights go green, first out is Narain Karthikeyan, followed by Monteiro, Ralf, Albers and Friesacher.

Having completed an installation lap, they all return to their garages.

Eight minutes into the session, Jarno Trulli comes out to play, followed by McLaren duo Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen.

Albers comes out again, the Dutch star looks set to be the first driver to post a time today. He crosses the line at 1:44.274, a benchmark, of sorts. Next time around he improves to 1:43.608, as teammate Friesacher posts 1:44.261.

Eighteen minutes into the session, Anthony Davidson drives out of the BAR garage, to begin one of the most important weekends of his career. Previously, he took part in two races in 2002 with Minardi, replacing Alex Yoong, but span off in both races. Sources tell us that there is a question mark over his stamina and race fitness - Malaysia is the ultimate test.

The Englishman crosses the line, posting his first time, unfortunately it puts him behind the Minardi duo. That said, this is his first time in the car this weekend, and his first time at Sepang since 2003, when he took part in the Friday morning tests.

Elsewhere, Ralf Schumacher posts 1:37.598 to go quickest, as Davidson slips in behind with a 1:41.119.

Ralf improves with a 1:36.631 as Barrichello comes out. Meanwhile, Monteiro leapfrogs Davidson with a 1:40.264. That said, the BAR driver improves to 1:39.731.

A 1:38.513 sees Barrichello go second, albeit 2.19s off the pace, as Michael Schumacher and Klien take to the track.

The German spins and as a result can only manage a 1:52.891, which puts him eighth (of eight), as teammate Barrichello improves with a 1:36.903.

Next time around however, Schumacher posts 1:35.854 to go quickest, as Raikkonen slots in behind with a 1:35.930. David Coulthard goes fifth, ahead of Klien, Davidson and Karthikeyan.

Schumacher and Raikkonen are trading fastest sectors, however it is the German who is fastest through the speed-trap (190.13 mph).

As Klien leapfrogs Coulthard, Michael raises the benchmark with a 1:35.063.

DC retakes fifth spot from his teammate as Trulli, Villeneuve and Montoya take to the track.

Eleven minutes remaining and only eleven drivers have posted times. Michael, Raikkonen, Ralf, Barrichello, Coulthard, Klien, Karthikeyan, Davidson, Monteiro, Albers and Friesacher.

Villeneuve posts 1:40.437 to go tenth, as Montoya goes third with a 1:36.240. Michael Schumacher is still quickest by 0.867s.

Mark Webber is the first of the WilliamsF1 drivers to post a time, the Australian goes fifth with a 1:36.781. Meanwhile, Button goes ninth (1:37.578), ahead of Villeneuve.

Webber improves, but remains fifth. Teammate Heidfeld, the Renault duo and Felipe Massa, are the only drivers yet to post a time.

Moments later, Fisichella goes second with a 1:35.880, though within seconds he's demoted by both Ralf and Montoya.

Alonso goes quickest with a 1:35.026, the Spaniard outpacing the World Champion by just 0.037s.

Still no time from Heidfeld, with just four minutes remaining.

Alonso is quickest in all three sectors, crossing the line at 1:34.715, a fantastic lap. Meanwhile, former teammate Jarno Trulli goes third only to be demoted by Fisichella.

Heidfeld finally posts a time, a 1:36.434, which puts him ninth, ahead of teammate Webber.