Good morning, and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Saturday morning practice from Valencia!

And as the session ends, Kamui Kobayashi limps back into the pits after a big sideways slide, touching his nose against the barrier - some running repairs needed ahead of qualifying.

There's the chequered flag, and it's Vettel who sets the pace. We're back at 13:00 UK time for qualifying - join us then.

Boof. Vettel quickest with a 1:37.258... and just when we were starting to think Ferrari had a chance.

Sutil goes side-by-side with Maldonado... they nearly touch, and that's a bit unnecessary for a practice session.

And Hamilton goes... just seventh. He is over a second back - let's hope he's carrying plenty of fuel.

Button goes fourth with his quick lap... six tenths off the pace set by Alonso.

Here comes Button now, emerging from the pits on option tyres.

It has been a quiet session for McLaren - Button seventh and Lewis Hamilton 14th over three seconds off the pace.

Alonso is on a quick lap - best time on the first two sectors... and the third! 1:37.678 great lap!

Now Massa goes quickest, posting the best time in every sector to clock a 1:38.277. Ferrari looking good.

Nico Rosberg goes fastest, clocking a 1:38.580 on soft 'option' tyres. And his team-mate Michael Schumacher is third, also on options.

Mark Webber has a quick whinge about oversteer on the team radio - and is told there is nothing wrong with the car. He'll love that...

As well as Lewis Hamilton being linked with a move to Red Bull, Jenson Button has revealed he has not talked about extending his contract with McLaren.

Ferrari have been testing different front downforce setups this morning - they are not yet clear on the best tactic for qualifying and the race...

Ah, there's Vettel - fastest, 1:38.999. That's how you do it. And Webber has gone fourth.

Alonso goes quicker again - 1:39.506. Massa second, then Button, Rosberg, Heidfeld. Neither Red Bull has posted a full lap yet.

Fernando Alonso is the first man under the 1:40 mark - 1:39.743 for the Ferrari man, who is fired up for this weekend.

Felipe Massa gesticulates frustratedly at a Hispania he deems to be blocking his path - not too easy to pull over there, mind.

The air temperature has nudged up to 26C - track temperature 37C. The sky is basically cloudless and it is going to be absolutely scorchio by the time qualifying takes place at 14:00 local time, 13:00 in the UK.

Alguersuari goes fastest with a 1:42.477 - for reference, Fernando Alonso set the best time yesterday in 1:37.968.