"I don't think I need a rest but it will help my individual preparation that I can concentrate a little bit more on the five-day stuff rather than Twenty20, " he added.

BBC: Strauss seeks new coach decision

The Australian's team-mate Sebastian Vettel ended the session 16th fastest, sandwiched between the Ferraris of Bahrain winner Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa as all three appeared to concentrate on race preparation with heavy fuel loads.

BBC: Lewis Hamilton fastest in Friday Australian GP practice

Nathan Bracken, Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds will miss the first three weeks because of the ODI series against Pakistan, while Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson have opted out entirely, preferring to concentrate on Ashes preparation.

BBC: IPL action begins in South Africa