2012 Formula 1 World Championship: Results from Friday’s Second Practice Session at Australian Grand Prix [SLIDESHOW]

Mercedes Formula One driver Schumacher sits in his car during the second practice session of the Australian F1 Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne — Mercedes Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Germany sits in his car during the second practice session of the Australian F1 Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne March 16, 2012. Reuters

The rains could not stop Mercedes' Michael Schumacher from topping the timesheets, in the second practice session ahead of the season-opening Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. The German ran 16 laps with a best of 1:29.183 and was followed by Force India's Nico Hulkenberg and Sauber's Sergio Perez.

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were in the 10th and 11th position respectively, while McLaren's Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton 15th and 16th. Caterham's Heikki Kovalainen was eighth and Marussia's Timo Glock 12th.

It was a gripping scene as Hulkenberg, who seemed set to stay on top with 1m 29.292s, until a very in-form Schumacher took top spot away.

Check out the top ten times :

1. Michael Schumacher, Mercedes - 1:29.183 (16 laps)

2. Nico Hulkenberg , Force India - Mercedes 1:29.292 (19 laps)

3. Sergio Perez, Sauber-Ferrari - 1:30.199 (23 laps)

4. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari - 1:30.341 (13 laps)

5. Kamui Kobayashi, Sauber-Ferrari - 1:30.709 (14 laps)

6. Paul di Resta, Force India-Mercedes - 1:31.466 (13 laps)

7. Felipe Massa, Ferrari - 1:31.505 (14 laps)

8. Heikki Kovalainen, Caterham-Renault - 1:31.932 (16 laps)

9. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes - 1:32.184 (17 laps)

10. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing - Renault - 1:32.194 (19 laps)