Lotus have started strongly in their Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preparations as Romain Grosjean tops the first practice session of the day.

It was a slow start to the session due to data being relatively unhelpful at the local time of 1pm due to the high temperatures as the race itself is at twilight.

However, Sergio Perez of McLaren took an early lead on the timesheet, while Red Bull duo Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were seconds off the pace in their first few laps.

Despite starting slow, Vettel, who secured his fourth consecutive Championship title in India last weekend, upped the pace to move up the standings, but he could not overtake Lewis Hamilton, who secured second spot.

Webber managed to clock the fourth-fastest time, while Hamilton's teammate Nico Rosberg was the fifth quickest around the circuit.

Following a positive start, Perez dropped to 10th by the end of the session.

First practice full standings:

1. Romain Grosjean (Lotus)
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
3. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
4. Mark Webber (Red Bull)
5. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
6. Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
7. Paul di Resta (Force India)
8. Jenson Button (McLaren)
9. Pastor Maldonado (Williams)
10. Sergio Perez (McLaren)
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
12. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
13. Valtteri Bottas (Williams)
14. James Calado (Force India)
15. Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber)
16. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso)
17. Felipe Massa (Ferrari)
18. Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso)
19. Charles Pic (Caterham)
20. Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham)
21. Jules Bianchi (Marussia)
22. Rodolfo Gonzalez (Marussia)