The Finn followed on from his teammate Pedro de la Rosa’s Friday form with a time of 1:34.253 to head out Saturday’s first run.

Juan Pablo Montoya completed a one-two finish for the British squad with a 1:34.446 for second.

Third and fourth went to the Renault pair of Giancarlo Fisichella (1:34.472) and Fernando Alonso (1:34.631) who both set a competitive pace.

The French racers appeared to be carrying more wing on day two which helped the handling troubles the drivers had previously.

However, despite the extra drag the R25 remained comfortably quickest through all four of Shanghai’s speed traps.

Mark Webber was also competitive in the Williams FW27 to finish fifth fastest with a best time of 1:34.749.

His teammate Antonio Pizzonia was quick early but pushed a little too hard and ended his session off the circuit with a stalled engine.