SEPANG, Malaysia – Kimi Raikkonen continued his surprisingly strong start to the Formula One season, posting the fastest time in the second practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix, outpacing defending champion Sebastian Vettel before rain hit the circuit Friday.
The Lotus driver sent a clear message that his victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix was no fluke, as he edged triple world champion Vettel of Red Bull by .019 seconds.
Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso came in third and fourth followed by Vettel's teammate Mark Webber, who earlier was fastest in the first practice session.
Meanwhile, it was another disappointing day for McLaren, which has struggled since revamping its race car in the offseason. Sergio Perez, who joined McLaren from Sauber for this season was 11th, followed by 2009 champion Jenson Button in 12th.
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