Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of his McLaren [Picture: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes]

FORMULA 1 racer Lewis Hamilton was second fastest in today’s (Friday’s) second practice session for the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old F1 driver from Hertfordshire was second on the timesheets in P2 around the Shanghai International Circuit with a lap of 1m 36.145s.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes colleague Jenson Button was sixth on a 1m 36.711s.

The fastest time of the afternoon session in China was a 1m 35.973s by Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher.

Reigning F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel was third quickest ahead of Red Bull teammate Mark Webber.

Hamilton was fastest in P1 on a 1m 37.106s, but it was a mixed session held in damp conditions with occasional rain.

Nico Rosberg was second in first practice and Schumacher third.

Herts-born motor racer Hamilton will face a five-place grid penalty after qualifying tomorrow (Saturday).

McLaren haven’t changed Hamilton’s gearbox yet, but it will be changed before qualifying, which will trigger the five-place grid drop.