Hamilton puts dominant Mercedes out in front again at Chinese GP practice session

SHANGHAI – Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton recovered from an early suspension problem to set the fastest practice time at the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday, narrowly edging Fernando Alonso of Ferrari.

Hamilton only completed nine laps in the morning session due to problems with the car, but came back in the afternoon to set a best time of 1 minute, 38.315 seconds around the Shanghai International Circuit.

Alonso, who had the fastest time in the morning session, was 0.141 seconds behind Hamilton under the watch of new team principal, Marco Mattiacci, who arrived in Shanghai to take charge following Stefano Domenicali's abrupt departure this week.

Hamilton's teammate, Nico Rosberg, had the third-fastest practice time, with Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel fourth and fifth, respectively.