Ferrari help on to the upper hand over Red Bull and Mercedes in the third free practice session ahead of qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Kimi Raikkonen took the top spot on the timesheets this time, with team mate Sebastian Vettel slotting in behind him.

Vettel, however, ended his session crawling back to the pits in second gear on his final run. Ferrari have since decided that he’ll need an engine change – suspected electrical problem. No gearbox or PU changes so there will be no penalty as this his Vettel’s 4th engine change for the season.He’ll be taking the upgraded engine that the team was hoping to keep until the US grand prix.

Raikonnen’s lap, 0.2s faster than their closest rivals, was a stunner. Daniel Ricciardo came home third in his Red Bull. Mercedes has also made some progress, albeit while struggling for grip – they’re now only 0.4s off Ferrari’s pace. Lewis Hamilton and Valterri Bottas came in at 4th and 5th with Max Verstappen 6th fastest after he had a collision with Jolyon Palmer in the final corner which he might have been in a bit of trouble for but the stewards have ruled that no further action will be taken.

Sergio Perez was seventh fastest for Force India ahead of Felipe Massa in the Williams and team mate Esteban Ocon. The McLarens were lined up behind them in 10th and 11th, with Stoffel Vandoorne ahead of Fernando Alonso.

Lance Stroll came home 12th fastest ahead of Kevin Magnussen, who struggled with PU related issues during the session. Nico Hulkenberg brought his Renault home 14th ahead of the two Toro Rosso driver and his team mate.

Romain Grosjean, who suffered damage to his car thanks to a loose drain cover on Friday, finished 18th ahead of the two Sauber drivers.