Hamilton edges Raikkonen in practice
Lewis Hamilton clocked the fastest time in free practice on Friday at the Chinese Grand Prix.
SHANGHAI (Agencies) - Lewis Hamilton set the pace for Mercedes in free practice on Friday at the Chinese Grand Prix but fierce rivals Ferrari were just a whisker behind as the teams headed for another clash in this weekend s race.
The British reigning world champion topped the time sheet with a best lap of one minute and 33.482 seconds in Shanghai, just .007 seconds ahead of Ferrari s Kimi Raikkonen in windy, moist conditions.
Hamilton s teammate Valtteri Bottas was third, followed by season points leader Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.
The annual battle between the sport s two giants has taken on an unexpected complexion, with Mercedes anxious for a win in Shanghai on Sunday after Vettel stunned the champions with wins in both Australia and Bahrain.
A mere 0.108 seconds separated the top four in Friday s practice.
Hamilton said it was "good to see all the times so close."
"But it means that we really need to bring our A game. We need everyone in the team to be on it throughout the weekend because it s a joint effort."
Added Bottas: "It s looking extremely close again with them (Ferrari) so I think tomorrow is going to be a close qualifying and for sure Sunday as well."
Both Vettel and Hamilton are chasing a fifth world title this year.
Mercedes are hopeful they can get things back on track on a Shanghai circuit where Hamilton is tough to beat.
The Englishman is easily the most successful driver in the 14-year history of the Chinese race with five wins, and he buoyed Mercedes hopes of a fightback by leading the pack in both of Friday s sessions.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull had to settle for fifth-fastest in practice, followed by Nico Hulkenberg driving for Renault.
Kevin Magnusson was seventh for Haas, ahead of Renault s Carlos Sainz and Verstappen s teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo said: "Overall, we aren t looking too bad and I hope we can be in the fight with Ferrari and Mercedes."
Two-time former world champion Fernando Alonso of McLaren rounded out the top 10.
Vettel raced to victory in Australia to open the Formula One season, following up with a tense triumph over Mercedes last weekend in Bahrain.
Ferrari have capitalised on a range of problems afflicting the champions, from software bugs to communication problems and grid penalties, but team principal Toto Wolff has vowed Mercedes will bring their "A game" in Shanghai.
