Ahead of today's vital qualifying session, the air temperature is 22 degrees C, while the track temperature is 28 degrees. It remains cloudy but bright.

Robert Kubica was quickest in this morning's practice session, the Pole posting the fastest time of the weekend as the teams looked ahead to this afternoon.

Of the title challengers, while the McLaren duo look good - the MP4-25 clearly suited to this track - Webber and Alonso are right up there. It was a difficult morning for Sebastian Vettel, the German only completing 9 laps and finishing sixteenth almost 2.5s off the pace.

Whatever happens this afternoon, Petrov faces a five-place penalty following the start-line incident in Japan, while Rosberg could yet be punished following an incident with Fernando Alonso this morning.

Following concerns raised by a number of drivers modifications were carried out on the track overnight, mainly to Turns 16 and 18, but also the pitlane entry. However, with a 60% chance of rain tomorrow there is concern that the mixture of water and the oils in the newly laid asphalt could lead to fun and games.

With the circuit widely tipped as favourable for overtaking, particularly in the first sector, pole position here is not quite as vital as it is at some tracks, nonetheless, there is an advantage - if mainly psychological - to be had from starting from the front row. Not only do you fire a warning shot across the bows of your rivals, you also, hopefully, avoid the traditional shenanigans that occur in the middle of the pack at such a vital time.

Tyre options are hard (prime) and soft (option) and though there is a clear issue with graining, the option tyres appeared to hold up quite well for a couple of laps this morning.

Despite the length of the track, traffic is an issue here and it well cause problems this afternoon particularly in Q1.

When the lights go green Kovalainen is first out, with Petrov and Hulkenberg following shortly after. The Russian and the German still to confirm drives for next season.

Pretty soon all but Kubica, the McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull duos are all on track.

Kovalainen posts a 45.450 to get the session underway as Hamilton, Massa and Alonso head down the pitlane.

Petrov raises the benchmark with a 43.104 but this is quickly beaten by Kobayashi and then Alguersuari who crosses the line at 41.270. Schumacher raises the benchmark with a 40.557 as Petrov goes quickest in sectors one and two finally crossing the line at 39.762.

As the Red Bulls leave the pits, Alonso, who had been quickest in the first two sectors, has to back off, thereby ruining his lap. Nonetheless, he goes fifteenth with a 45.010.

On his first flying lap Hamilton goes quickest, the Englishman crossing the line at 38.677. Teammate Button and Kubica are still in the pits.

A 38.561 sees Kobayashi go quickest as Alonso improves to tenth with a 40.858.

Rosberg goes quickest, the Mercedes driver posting 38.178, only to be demoted by Massa and then Hamilton (37.517).