Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher overcame Lewis Hamilton to complete the second Chinese Grand Prix practice session 0.172 seconds faster than his McLaren opponent.
Hamilton, who was the fastest in the first practice, looked set to increase his time until the final stretch of the lap, where the German overtook the Brit to finish on top.
Sebastian Vettel clinched the third quickest time, with Red Bull teammate Mark Webber finishing just behind him in fourth.
Australian Grand Prix winner Jenson Button could only manage a sixth-place position, while Fernando Alonso finished the circuit in 10th.
