Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg managed to respond to teammate Lewis Hamilton's dominance in the first practice by coming out on top in the second session of the day ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

It was a frustrating session at times as rain poured intermittently, but it was Rosberg who came out of the blocks clocking the fastest time of the weekend, 1:12.385, in his first lap.

The German tussled with his teammate once again, but it was a disappointing run for Fernando Alonso, whose session was cut short due to problems with his McLaren.

The Spaniard returned to the pits without his car after the vehicle produced puffs of smoke while he was on the track.

As the session continued, Rosberg also had problems with his tyres as he spun right off the track on the final turn.

Hamilton finished second fastest, while Ferrari duo Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen clocked the third and fourth-quickest laps.

Full standings:

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