Fernando Alonso has set the quickest time in the first practice session ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver recorded a lap time of 1:31.840 to make it an impressive start to the race meeting for the team, despite Kimi Raikkonen only setting the ninth-fastest lap.

Lewis Hamilton suffered problems on the first lap after being sent out by his Mercedes team as an oil pressure alarm led to a precautionary engine shutdown in the Brit's car.

Williams made a promising start in Melbourne as Jenson Button and Valterri Bottas set the second and third quickest times respectively.

Defending champion Sebastian Vettel was forced to settle for seventh-fastest after completing just 10 laps in his Red Bull car.

The second practice session begins at 5.30am (UK time).

Full standings:
1. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2. Jenson Button (McLaren)
3. Valtteri Bottas (Williams)
4. Felipe Massa (Williams)
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
6. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
7. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
8. Kevin Magnussen (McLaren)
9. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
10. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso)
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)
12. Sergio Perez (Force India)
13. Kvyat (Toro Rosso)
14. Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber)
15. Adrian Sutil (Sauber)
16. Jules Bianchi (Marussia)
17. Max Chilton (Marussia)