Published: Saturday April 18, 2009 MYT 12:54:00 PM
Updated: Saturday April 18, 2009 MYT 3:15:15 PM

Rosberg fastest in final practice for Shanghai Formula 1

SHANGHAI: Williams' Nico Rosberg set the fastest time in Saturday's pre-qualifying practice session ahead of Sunday's Chinese Formula One Grand Prix.

Rosberg set a best time of 1 minute, 36.133 seconds around the Shanghai International Circuit, meaning he had the fastest practice time in at least one session of each of the three races this season.

Toyota's Jarno Trulli was second fastest, 0.14 seconds behind Rosberg, although there was greater concern in the garage about teammate Timo Glock.

Williams Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Germany, crashes into a safety wall during the third practice session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China, Saturday. The Chinese Grand Prix will be held at the circuit Sunday. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

Glock completed only six laps after complaining of a gearbox problem.

If a new gearbox is required, he will be moved five places back on the grid from his ultimate qualifying position.

Aside from Glock, the Red Bull pair Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel did little running in the final practice due to a drive shaft failure on both cars.

Renault's Fernando Alonso also took little part, with the team trying to fit a redesigned diffuser to his car.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton was third best in Saturday's practice, ahead of English compatriot Jenson Button of Brawn.

Williams Formula One driver Nico Rosberg, center, of Germany helps marshalls lift his car after going off the track during the third practice session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China, Saturday. The Chinese Grand Prix will be held at the circuit Sunday. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

Renault's Nelson Piquet Jr. was unusually prominent at fifth on the timesheets, while Ferrari's Felipe Massa sixth.

McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen and Williams' Kazuki Nakajima rounded out the top eight.

Rosberg's session-best time came after an embarrassing start, as the German got beached in the gravel trap at the top of the entry to pit lane - the same trap that caught out Hamilton in 2007, ultimately costing him the title. - AP

Practice results Saturday for Sunday's Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the 5.5-kilometer (3.4-mile) Shanghai International circuit (with driver, country, car, fastest lap time and laps completed):

Third Practice Session=

1. Nico Rosberg, Germany, Williams, 1 minute 36.133 seconds, 17 laps.

2. Jarno Trulli, Italy, Toyota, 1:36.272, 22.

3. Lewis Hamilton, England, McLaren, 1:36.330, 17.

4. Jenson Button, England, Brawn, 1:36.463, 16.

5. Nelson Piquet Jnr., Renault, 1:36.464, 16.

Williams Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Germany waits in his car during the second practice session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China, Friday. The Chinese Grand Prix will be held at the circuit on Sunday April 19. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

6. Felipe Massa, Brazil, Ferrari, 1:36.528, 18.

7. Heikki Kovalainen, Finland, McLaren, 1:36.547, 13.

8. Kazuki Nakajima, Japan, Williams, 1:36.560, 17.

9. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Ferrari, 1:36.568, 17.

10. Rubens Barrichello, Brazil, Brawn, 1:36.642, 17.

11. Nick Heidfeld, Germany, BMW, 1:36.702, 14.

12. Robert Kubica, Poland, BMW, 1:36.742, 14.

13. Sebastien Buemi, Switzerland, Toro Rosso, 1:36.742, 16.

14. Sebastien Bourdais, France, Toro Rosso, 1:36.834, 17.

15. Mark Webber, Australia, Red Bull, 1:37.330, 8.

16. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Red Bull, 1:37.349, 7.

17. Adrian Sutil, Germany, Force India, 1:37.534, 17.