As the queues of fans began to pour into the Tempelhof Airport, it was home favourite Nick Heidfeld who set the early pace before a red flag caused by debris on track brought a halt to proceedings.

The session resumed with just under 30 minutes remaining on the clock with the drivers beginning to explore the limits of the 2.469km circuit with championship leader Lucas di Grassi pushing a little too hard to spin 180 degrees before rejoining. 

A red flag, again due to debris, saw a second stoppage with Heidfeld still quickest on a 1m24.7s, a tenth clear of Jean-Eric Vergne. The green flag waved with 10 minutes remaining with Karun Chandhok also spinning at T9.

A late charge from Jaime Alguersuari (Virgin Racing) saw him jump up to second until Buemi lit up the timing screens to go top and become the first, and only, driver to break into the 1:23s. Heidfeld held on to his P2 spot ahead of Alguersuari, Vergne and Jerome D’Ambrosio. Daniel Abt, the second German driver in the field, ended just outside the top five with Scott Speed, Salvador Duran, Stephane Sarrazin and Nicolas Prost completing the top 10.

The second practice session begins at 10:30 (local time).