Rosberg fastest in practice for third time

Published: 5:49PM Saturday March 28, 2009 Source: Reuters

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Germany's Nico Rosberg completed a full sweep of the practice sessions for the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix by setting the fastest time in Saturday's final warm-up.

Rosberg lapped the Albert Park circuit in his Williams in a best time of one minute 25.808 seconds, more than a second quicker than world champion Lewis Hamilton's time for pole position in Melbourne 12 months ago.

Italian Jarno Trulli, driving a Toyota, was second fastest, just three-thousands of a second behind Rosberg while Britain's Jenson Button was third in his Mercedes-powered Brawn GP.

Last season's championship runner-up Felipe Massa of Brazil was fourth but his Ferrari team mate Kimi Raikkonen was last after breaking down in the early session.

Hamilton, whose McLaren was well off the pace in Friday's two practice sessions, continued to struggle in 12th place, while Spain's twice former world champion Fernando Alonso was 17th in his Renault.

Saturday's practice session ended just two hours before the start of official qualifying for Sunday's race, which promises to be one of the most open in years after the introduction of a series of new rules.

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