MELBOURNE, Australia - Mercedes confirmed its status as favourite to win the Formula One season-opening Australian Grand Prix by setting the fastest two times in Fridays practice sessions, with Lewis Hamilton edging his teammate Nico Rosberg. Hamilton failed to complete a lap in the opening practice session due to a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor that shut down his engine, but recovered to set a time of 1 minute 29.625 seconds in the second session around the Albert Park circuit, 0.157 seconds ahead of Rosberg. "That was quite satisfying. On one lap the pace was good, and on the long run, as well," Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said. He added, however, that Hamiltons early problem meant there is still cause for concern. "You need to be very careful because its enough to have a little problem and the race or qualifying could be finished." Fernando Alonso of Ferrari was fastest in the first session but dropped to third in the second, half a second off Hamiltons time. Kimi Raikkonen was only seventh fastest in his return to the Italian team after suffering some problems, including failing to select first gear when trying a practice start. "Were still not on top of all the things we need to resolve," Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said. "The negative sides have to be addressed very quickly because the competition is strong and the time available is not very much." The gaps at the top of the timesheets were reasonably close, which points toward a competitive qualifying session on Saturday and race on Sunday, rather than the Mercedes dominance that many had predicted. Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel was tipped to struggle in his campaign for a fifth straight drivers championship due to his teams preseason struggles with Renaults new V6 turbo engine, but he put in an encouraging performance to finish fourth fastest in practice. Vettel and new teammate Daniel Ricciardo — who was sixth fastest — completed a total of 115 laps, which will provide valuable data on the car and engines performance. "Its been a very strong first day for us," Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said. "Weve had a very difficult preseason with numerous issues so it was refreshing to get some laps in and get a first proper feel for the car. "We can see there is quite a gap to the Mercedes and the Ferrari, but we are starting to feel what that gap is and by the end of the weekend we will have a clearer idea." By contrast, fellow Renault-powered teams Lotus and Caterham did very little running due to a succession of technical problems, coupled with some spins into the gravel traps by Lotus drivers Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado. There has been concern that these two teams, and perhaps others, will sit out Saturdays final practice session to avoid encountering a problem that takes a long time to fix — as many do with these new complex engines — and therefore having to miss both qualifying and the race. Renault deputy managing director Rob White admitted the company was way behind schedule in integrating the complex new powertrains to its four customer teams. "Its completely unacceptable to come to the first race as relatively unprepared as we are," White said. McLaren driver Jenson Button was fifth fastest in Fridays practice, while his rookie teammate Kevin Magnussen was ninth. Williams driver Valtteri Bottas was eighth, four places above his experienced new teammate Felipe Massa in 12th. Force Indias Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top ten. Vladimir Sobotka Jersey . Then again, he really was at his home away from home. 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Cabrera was first on the disabled list from June 27-July 20 with tendinitis in his left knee.LOS ANGELES, Calif. - While Robbie Keane was grateful to accept Major League Soccers MVP award on Wednesday, he never stopped thinking about the other trophy he intends to raise a few days later.The Irish strikers first MVP selection is another highlight in his dynamic year with the LA Galaxy, who face the New England Revolution in the MLS Cup this weekend. Keane is chasing his third MLS title in four seasons stateside, a desire that dwarfs his interest in individual awards.Its been a great season for me personally, but it would be even better if we won on Sunday, Keane said. To get this award is a great privilege. Its so nice to be recognized. It could have gone to the other two lads.New Englands Lee Nguyen and Seattles Obafemi Martins were the other finalists, but Keane beat them out with his most impressive season since arriving in Southern California in 2011.The 34-year-old Keane had 19 goals and 14 assists in 29 games while leading the Galaxys MLS-best offence, providing dangerous attacking and steady leadership for the MLS Cup finalists.With speed, skill and a daredevil flair for big moments, Keane scored or assisted on 33 of the Galaxys 69 goals this season. Only Chris Wondolowski ever managed more in MLS history, contributing to 34 goals during his 2012 MVP season with San Jose.We think Robbie is special because of his consistency, Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. He sets the tone for our team each and every day. Ive watched Robbie for years, and I always (thought) this is the kind of player we want in this league, and on my team.Keane accepted the award at a posh restaurant in the downtown Los Angeles luxury apartment building where he lives with his wife, Claudine, and their son, Robert, during the Galaxys season.The Irish national team captain and longtime Tottenham Hotspur star has been a hit ever since he joined the Galaxy as their third star alongside David Beckham and Landon Donovan on the U.S. leagues glamour franchise. Keane could have treated his move to Hollywood as a break from the high-pressure European grind, but he followed Beckhams philosophy about MLS.I mentioned in my first press conference that Im not here for a holiday, Keane said. Its about winning. Its about championsships.dddddddddddd Were going for three of four now, so thats not too bad.The trio led the Galaxy to MLS Cup championships in 2011 and 2012. Keane then turned in an outstanding season in 2013, scoring 16 goals and 11 assists in just 23 games, despite Beckhams departure, Donovans early sabbatical from soccer and Keanes two serious Achilles injuries, which required surgery and weeks of off-season rehabilitation.Keane remained a force this season during Donovans slow start. They nearly led LA all the way back to the top of the MLS table before finishing just behind Seattle, but the Galaxy eliminated the Sounders from the playoffs last Sunday.Keane has done it all in the past four seasons while frequently travelling between continents for his duties with Ireland, including a trip last month during the playoffs. Keane became the worlds leading active goal-scorer in international play this year with the retirement of Germanys Miroslav Klose.The Galaxy re-signed Keane to a long-term deal earlier this year, and he will be their clear leader going forward with Donovans impending retirement and their possible addition of a new, high-profile designated player in the off-season.He bought into our league right away, Arena said. It wasnt a fight. He fully accepted what our league was about.The Dublin native began his pro career with Wolverhampton Wanderers at 17 years old in 1997. After stops with Coventry City, Inter Milan and Leeds, Keane moved to Spurs for the 2002-03 season, eventually scoring 93 goals in 138 appearances for the North London club.Keane had stints with Liverpool, Celtic and West Ham before deciding to head stateside with the Galaxy. Beckham and Donovan hadnt managed to win MLS biggest trophy together before Keane arrived, but the Irish striker immediately helped them become champions together.Nguyen carried the Eastern Conference champion Revolution offensively throughout the season, scoring 18 goals as a midfielder. He scored in eight of the last 11 games while New England closed out the regular season, forming a stellar tandem with Jermaine Jones.Martins was an offensive force throughout his second season with the Sounders, getting 17 goals and 13 assists in 31 matches. 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