Nico Rosberg
Mercedes Formula 1 driver Rosberg of Germany drives during the Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. Reuters

Defending champion and Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel will be looking to bounce back during the 2014 Malaysia Grand Prix, despite Mercedes' Nico Rosberg winning the first race of the season in Australia.

Where to Watch Live

The first practice session of the Australian Grand Prix starts at 2am GMT, with Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Real-time internet updates are available on the Live Timing section of the sport's official website. Live coverage of the second practice session starts at 6am GMT.

Track Facts

  • Circuit Name: Sepang International Circuit
  • First F1 Race: 1962
  • Circuit Length: 5.543 km
  • Number of Laps: 56
  • Race Distance: 310.408 km
  • Fastest Lap: Juan Pablo Montoya 1:34.223
  • Most Wins: John MacDonald (4)
  • 2013 Winner: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
  • 2013 Pole: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

Driver's Championship Review

Rosberg is leading the driver's championship after winning the season's first race at Albert Park earlier this month. The Mercedes driver is on top with 25 points while McLaren's Kevin Magnussen is second with 15 points.

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso is fourth, trailing the leader by 13 points while his teammate Kimi Raikkonen is seventh with six points. Vettel and Lewis Hamilton are yet to open their account as they were forced to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix.

Constructor's Championship Review

Despite Rosberg's win at Albert Park, Mercedes have lost the top spot in the constructor's championship to McLaren. Their two drivers, Magnussen and Jenson Button managed a podium finish in Australia, which has seen McLaren lead the leader board with 33 points.

Mercedes are second, trailing the leaders by eight points while Ferrari are third with 18 points.

Weather News

The weather forecast at Sepang International Circuit is partly cloudy for Friday's practice session. Temperatures will be around 25C with no possibility of rain before the start of the first and second session.