Double world champion Fernando Alonso was fourth fastest, edged out by his Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa who went third fastest at the Sepang International Circuit.

CNN: Ice-cool Raikkonen tops the charts in steamy Malaysia

Hamilton left the Sepang International Circuit without commenting on the decision.

BBC: Hamilton loses Aussie GP points

Like all Englishmen, Button is closely watching the weather forecast in the hope that McLaren might profit from what could be a wet race at the Sepang International Circuit to even up the odds for the British team.

CNN: McLaren drivers: 'We can't compete'