Hamilton was second quickest in first practice, knocked off the top in the dying embers by the latest showboating performance from Nico Rosberg as the Williams driver put in another low-fuel late blast.

Then in the second 90-minute run, Kovalainen set the fastest time of the day with a lap of one minute 28.841secs, although it is fair to suggest there is more to come from pre-race favourites Brawn GP, Red Bull and Ferrari.

Nevertheless, Hamilton was happy with his day’s work, in particular as McLaren were not expected to be running anywhere near the top.

“I was quite surprised by the pace of the car,” reflected Hamilton, who spun twice in the space of seven minutes in the second session.

“We definitely have better pace here than we anticipated, but every little bit that comes adds up bit by bit.

“I am not saying we have the speed of the other top guys, but we’re getting closer.

“Heikki certainly did a great job and seems to be fast enough, so for this weekend’s race we look like we may have the pace to be in the top 10, and that’s a great step for us.

“It’s been a complete hustle all year to get into the top 10. We’re hustling and grinding to get every bit out of that car as possible.

“I feel we get a little more out of the car every time, and that’s why I am happy with the work we have been doing.

“If we had been a lot closer at the start of the season we would have caught up by now, but we were a long way away.

“We’ll get there eventually. We’re working hard as we can. We know it’s not a quick fix and it just takes time.

“We’re churning away at it, still focusing on this year but keeping an eye on next year.”

Another surprise was the sight of Jenson Button languishing in 11th and 12th at the end of the two sessions, by far his worst practice day of a season he has so far dominated.

The championship leader following five wins in six races conceded to enduring a “tough first day...trying to find a good balance with the car.”

He added: “We tried many different set-up options over the course of the two sessions.

“But unfortunately we could not get the car to where I want it to be and struggled with a lack of grip.

“However, we now have a great deal of information to review after trying a few evaluations and believe we have some understanding of what is causing the problems.

“We need to have a good look at everything tonight and I’m hopeful we can resolve today’s issues and have a better day tomorrow.”

Renault’s Fernando Alonso was second quickest overall on the day, finishing just six thousandths of a second behind Kovalainen.

Felipe Massa, winner of the last three races here from pole, was fifth and 11th in the two sessions, with his best lap half a second down on the Finn.