Having topped the timesheets in all three practice sessions it pretty fair to assume that Lewis Hamilton will continue his domination into this afternoon's qualifying session.
However, as witnessed in Malaysia two weeks ago and in yesterday afternoon's session, once we get on to the longer runs it is a different kettle of fish with Ferrari appearing to have the upper hand. Although the Mercedes has outright pace, it is struggling on the longer runs, particularly with the options, and consequently neither Sebastian Vettel nor Kimi Raikkonen will be that bothered about securing pole. That said, they need to be right up there in order to press home their apparent advantage.
It was a curious scene in the Mercedes garage following this morning's session, for whilst Hamilton was all smiles, clearly content with his morning's work, teammate Nico Rosberg looked worried as he pored over the data with his team. Whilst he has said that Ferrari can help in his battle for the title he will also need to raise his own game and thus far he hasn't appeared convincing.
Following yesterday's sessions Daniel Ricciardo suggested that Red Bull is now the third team - this a day after team owner Dietrich Mateschitz threatened to quit the sport unless his cars became more competitive. However, whilst the Red Bulls were fifth and sixth this morning, a number of issues, not least those overheating rear brakes suggest the Austrian outfit has a long way to go.
Williams continues to frustrate. Far from picking up where it left off in Abu Dhabi, the Grove outfit appears to drop off in form with every passing race, though it's not clear why. Yesterday, Felipe Massa suffered a rear wing failure whilst Valtteri Bottas often appears to be overdriving the car.
After a disappointing day yesterday, this morning both Toro Rossos were impressive, Carlos Sainz quietly getting on with the job whilst teammate Max Verstappen gets all the media attention.
Improvements this morning also for Romain Grosjean and Nico Hulkenberg though it remains to be seen whether this will convert into decent grid positions far less race points.
It was another difficult morning for McLaren, Fernando Alonso grinding to a halt on his out lap with what is understood to be an "ignition issue". However, finishing fifteenth on the timesheets, teammate Jenson Button was told that he was only 0.2s off tenth place, which, if nothing else, tells us how tight the midfield is at present.
Indeed, take the Mercedes and Ferraris out of the equation and the rest (not counting the Manors) are covered by just 0.7s, most by 0.5s.
It's fair to say that Mercedes issues in Malaysia began in qualifying, Hamilton using up his preferred tyres in Q1 and thereby leaving him short when it mattered most, consequently the team will be seeking not to repeat the mistake today.
The difference between the two compounds is around 1.5 -1.7s so in theory Mercedes, and the other fast runners, shouldn't need to use the soft rubber in Q1. However, a strategic move by a rival could force their hand.
Ahead of the start of Q1, the air temperature is 19 degrees C, whilst the track temperature is 43 degrees. It remains bright and sunny.
The lights go green and Merhi leads the way, followed by Alonso. Raikkonen and Hamilton are also out early, as is Vettel. The Manor driver already on option rubber.
Whilst Alonso heads back to the pits, his installation lap completed, Raikkonen, Vettel and Hamilton stay out.
Merhi posts the first time of the afternoon (44.911), but this is soon eclipsed by Raikkonen who posts 40.917. Vettel subsequently posts 39.912 and Verstappen 40.666 only to be demoted when Hamilton bangs in a 38.285.
TV replay shows that Raikkonen had problems with his front end of his car on his quick lap so the Finn clearly has more in reserve.
Rosberg posts 38.496 to go second whilst Hulkenberg and Nasr, both on options, go third and fourth, both over a second off Hamilton's pace.
Alonso, on his first flying lap of the day, goes eighth on the soft tyre.
With 7:30 remaining, all but the Williams duo have posted a time.
Ericsson, on softs, posts 39.480 to go fifth, one place behind his Sauber teammate.
The Williams duo finally head down the pitlane, both on the softer rubber.
Daniil Kvyat (45.427), along with the Williams duo and the Manor boys, currently comprise the drop zone.
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