It is a sense of déjà vu in the Formula One paddock as Nico Rosberg set the pace in the opening practice session of the 2015 season.
Mercedes continued where they left off in 2014 by setting the two fastest times of the session.
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton was less than a tenth shy of team-mate Rosberg.
As was a common occurrence in 2014, Williams’ Valtteri Bottas was third fastest, one second off the pace of the Mercedes.
Toro Rosso enjoyed a strong first practice of 2015 with Carlos Sainz setting the fourth fastest time.
It was contrasting sessions for the two Lotus drivers, Maldonado was a solid ninth fastest whilst Grosjean failed to set a timed lap in the E23.
Max Verstappen was the first car to take to the Albert Park circuit in 2015 and set the sixth fastest time of the day.
On his début for Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel was fifth fastest in a straight-forward session for the four-times world champion. Team-mate Raikkonen was eighth fastest.
Daniel Ricciardo made the most notable mistake of the session, spinning at turn 15, however later rejoined without any problems.
The Australian was tenth fastest, half a second quicker than new team-mate Kvyat.
McLaren endured another tough day, setting the 14th and 15th fastest times of the session.
After missing all of pre-season testing, Manor/Marussia did not complete any laps and look unlikely to contest in the second practice session later today.
Sauber also did not complete any laps in FP1 due to their ongoing court case with Giedo van der Garde.
