In case anyone needed reminding that the new season kicks off in just two weeks, a frenzy of activity in the hour before the lunch break will have rammed the messaee home loud and clear.

Despite a slow start on a bitterly cold morning, in that final hour the pace was red hot, as Ferrari and Williams went head-to-head.

Tantalisingly, the red hot favourites, Mercedes, opted to watch the shoot-out from the side-lines. "That'll be us for the morning session," said the German team, "experimental setup changes underway so the F1 W06 remains parked".

As the German team got to work behind the barriers, Massa posted a 24.950 to go quickest. Having improved again, this time with a 23.963, the Brazilian found himself with a fight on his hands as Raikkonen responded with a 24.136, both drivers on softs.

Suddenly the gloves were off, as were the softs, in favour of the super-softs, Massa raising the bar with a 23.262.

Also on super-softs, Raikkonen hit back with a time just 0.014s slower, thereby ensuring a few more seats are sold for the season opener.

However, the entertainment wasn't confined to this pair.

Having spent much of the morning on long runs, Ericsson, in the ever improving Sauber, went third, also on the super-softs, edging out Kevin Magnussen in the McLaren - yes McLaren - the Dane having completed 33 laps on his way to posting a 25.225.

Also up for the fight was Hulkenberg who has already completed 76 laps in the VJM08 launched only 24 hours earlier, his 24.939 demonstrating that the car has pace and reliability.

With Hamilton taking an early lunch, it is almost certain that the Briton will raise the bar ever higher this afternoon, while Ricciardo, Sainz and Grosjean look keen to join in the fun and games.

Melbourne here we come.

Morning Times - All Times Unofficial

Name	Team	Laps	Time	Gap
Massa	Williams	45	1:23.262	125.066 mph
Raikkonen	Ferrari	51	1:23.276	0.014
Ericsson	Sauber	50	1:24.477	1.215
Hulkenberg	Force India	76	1:24.939	1.677
Magnussen	McLaren	38	1:25.225	1.963
Hamilton	Mercedes	36	1:25.471	2.209
Ricciardo	Red Bull	60	1:25.742	2.480
Sainz	Toro Rosso	53	1:26.330	3.068
Grosjean	Lotus	44	1:27.950	4.688