Conditions ahead of this afternoon's qualifying session are ideal, with bright sunshine and temperatures of 27 degrees C (air) and 36 degrees (track).

Going by the free practice sessions, it looks as though the main battle this afternoon will be between Ferrari and Renault, namely Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. However, the McLarens have been looking good, as have the Toyotas and Hondas, though the Brackley is still clearly suffering 'tyre issues'.

Following his accident in this morning's session, Nico Rosberg will use the T-car, though he will retain his own engine.

The lights go green and first out is Liuzzi, followed by Idea, Ralf, Albers, Speed and Sato. Rosberg is another 'early riser' as he attempts to get to grips with a car that is entirely new to him.

Liuzzi is the first driver to post a time (26.334), however, this is quickly beaten by Ralf Schumacher, who posts a 26.332. Elsewhere, Albers has a big spin.

A very impressive performance from Rosberg, who goes quickest (25.536), ahead of Liuzzi, Ralf, Trulli and Klien.

With ten minutes remaining, Button and Raikkonen leave the pits. Meanwhile, Speed goes fourth (26.801).

Raikkonen goes quickest in the first two sectors, as Montoya and Michael Schumacher leave the pits. The Finn goes quickest with a 1:24.259.

Button is really riding the kerbs as he goes second (24.480), having gone quickest of all in the final sector. David Coulthard goes fourth.

Michael is on track, at the first sector he's 0.10s down on Raikkonen, as Massa goes quickest in the same sector. Alonso is also on track, and he goes quickest in the first sector.

Michael posts (30.141), as Massa goes sixth, however, Alonso is quickest in the second sector and on a very hot lap. The Spaniard goes quickest with a 1:23.536, as Michael remains in the 'danger zone'.

As Schumacher goes sixth (24.788), Trulli and Klien are in the 'danger zone'. However, moments later, the Italian improves to sixth with a 1:24.656.

Two minutes remaining and both Red Bulls are in the 'danger zone'. However, the Scot avoids the chop with a 1:24.849, which puts him tenth. Both BMWs are just outside the 'danger zone'.

Knowing that his task is hopeless, Klien aborts his final lap and heads into the pits.

At the end of the first part of the session we lose Ide, Sato, Albers, Monteiro, Speed and Klien.