Driver Kimi Antonelli posted the quickest time ahead of Max Verstappen during the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The performance sets up a competitive battle between Mercedes and Red Bull as teams prepare for the qualifying session in Malaysia.
Further updates and details regarding the upcoming qualifying sessions are expected to emerge as the event develops.
Earlier reports and follow-ups on the same developing story.
Australia win a fourth successive Men's Rugby League World Cup, beating New Zealand comfortably in the final in Brisbane.
Jack Bostock and Liam Martin both starred as Australia swept away New Zealand 32-12 in the men's Rugby League World Cup final to be crowned world champions for the fourth time in a row.
Aryna Sabalenka has apologised for an on-court outburst in her three-set loss to Elina Svitolina at the WTA Finals.
The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...
Australia bowler Chadd Sayers says he helped take sandpaper from the field in the match prior to the Cape Town Test and backs Usman Khawaja's recollection over Pat Cummins'.