Mclaren driver Lewis Hamilton has set the fastest time in opening practice for the Formula One Korean Grand Prix, as drivers got their first taste of the brand new circuit.

Hamilton's time of 1 minute, 40.887 seconds edged out Renault's Robert Kubica as times tumbled throughout this morning's 90-minute session as drivers became more accustomed to the circuit and rubber was laid down on the freshly laid surface.

Mercedes' Nico Rosberg was third quickest, ahead of Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and McLaren's Jenson Button.

Championship leader Mark Webber of Red Bull was seventh on the time sheets, while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was down in 15th.