Hamilton sets the pace in Bahrain

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton finished just ahead of Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel in the first practice ahead of Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.

The British driver and 2008 world champion continued his impressive start to the campaign, as he currently sits at the top of the championship despite not yet winning any of the opening three races, by finishing 0.305 seconds quicker than his German rival. Reigning world champion, Vettel, got home ahead of Force India's Paul di Resta, who used the softer of the two tyre types in the hot conditions, while Hamilton's McLaren team-mate Jenson Button had to settle for fifth behind Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg. Force India's Nico Hulkenberg came in ahead of Mercedes' Michael Schumacher, while Red Bull's Mark Webber, Lotus's Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean completed the top 10. There was early disappointment for Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who will start the Bahrain Grand Prix in third position in the overall standings, as he came home down in 13th position.