Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was quickest during first practice on Friday in China as new team principal Marco Mattiacci oversaw proceedings for the first time.
Alonso’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen however brought up the rear after the Finn failed to set a timed lap due to mechanical issues which couldn’t be resolved.
The relatively cold start to the day saw few cars take to the track until later in the session and those that did posted uncompetitive times to begin.
The Spaniard’s 1:39.783 couldn’t be beaten, with Nico Rosberg coming closest, although the Mercedes driver remained almost four-tenths behind, whilst Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was third after posting a 1:40.772.
Nico Hulkenberg in fifth split the two McLarens, whilst Jean-Eric Vergne was seventh quickest. His team-mate meanwhile provided the drama with spins at turns two and 16.
FP1 Full Times – 2014 Chinese Grand Prix:
| # | Driver | Team | Time | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | F. Alonso | Ferrari | 1:39.783 | 20 | |
| 02 | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | 1:40.181 | 0.398 | 16 |
| 03 | D. Ricciardo | Red Bull | 1:40.772 | 0.989 | 23 |
| 04 | J. Button | McLaren | 1:40.970 | 1.187 | 23 |
| 05 | N. Hulkenberg | Force India | 1:41.175 | 1.392 | 16 |
| 06 | K. Magnussen | McLaren | 1:41.366 | 1.583 | 20 |
| 07 | J. Vergne | Toro Rosso | 1:41.505 | 1.722 | 26 |
| 08 | L. Hamilton | Mercedes | 1:41.560 | 1.777 | 9 |
| 09 | S. Vettel | Red Bull | 1:41.629 | 1.846 | 19 |
| 10 | F. Massa | Williams | 1:41.699 | 1.916 | 14 |
| 11 | D. Kvyat | Toro Rosso | 1:41.977 | 2.194 | 23 |
| 12 | R. Grosjean | Lotus | 1:42.090 | 2.307 | 24 |
| 13 | F. Nasr | Williams | 1:42.265 | 2.482 | 13 |
| 14 | G. van der Garde | Sauber | 1:42.615 | 2.832 | 16 |
| 15 | S. Perez | Force India | 1:42.733 | 2.950 | 13 |
| 16 | P. Maldonado | Lotus | 1:43.731 | 3.948 | 22 |
| 17 | K. Kobayashi | Caterham | 1:44.038 | 4.255 | 16 |
| 18 | E. Gutierrez | Sauber | 1:44.162 | 4.379 | 17 |
| 19 | J. Bianchi | Marussia | 1:44.270 | 4.487 | 7 |
| 20 | M. Chilton | Marussia | 1:44.782 | 4.999 | 20 |
| 21 | M. Ericsson | Caterham | 1:44.835 | 5.052 | 22 |
| 22 | K. Räikkönen | Ferrari | 1 |
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