Kimi Raikkonen sparkled in the sunshine as the morning torrential downpour over Monza gave way to clear blue skies in the afternoon.

Raikkonen, who has ended speculation surrounding his future by extending his contract with Ferrari through to the end of the 2010 season, posted the fastest practice session time ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

The Finn's hot lap of one minute 23.861 seconds came in the closing stages of the 90-minute period, ousting BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica from top spot by just 0.070secs.

Nick Heidfeld was a close third in his BMW Sauber, a mere 0.016secs further back, with current championship leader Lewis Hamilton down in fourth in his McLaren.

Williams' Nico Rosberg was fifth, with sixth place taken by Felipe Massa - the Brazilian two points adrift of Hamilton in the drivers' standings.