Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen has recorded the fastest time during the first practice session ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Raikkonen finished marginally ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel, while Valtteri Bottas ended opening practice in third spot in the Williams.

Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz finished in fourth with Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo in fifth, but the session didn't work out for Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, who finished in 15th and 16th position respectively.

British racer Jolyon Palmer, who was given a drive in the Lotus, would have impressed his team by ending practice in 14th place.

Full standings:

1. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
3. Valtteri Bottas (Williams)
4. Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso)
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
6. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso)
7. Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
8. Felipe Nasr (Sauber)
9. Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull)
10. Felipe Massa (Williams)
11. Sergio Perez (Force India)
12. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus)
13. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)
14. Jolyon Palmer (Lotus)
15. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
16. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
17. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber)
18. Will Stevens (Marussia)
19. Roberto Merhi (Marussia)