UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Prac 1.2: Massa takes day one

Second session of practice in Malaysia

Felipe Massa was Sauber’s unlikely hero on Friday as he ended the opening day of the Malaysian Grand Prix on top of the timesheet.

The Brazilian’s time of 1:35.608 around the Sepang circuit – located near the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur – was enough to secure top spot despite falling short of Ricardo Zonta’s (Toyota) time from earlier in the day.

McLaren’s Juan Pablo Montoya came agonisingly close to toppling his South American compatriot but eventually finished second fastest with a 1:35.608.

Zonta couldn’t manage a repeat of his morning time (1:34.092) and was forced to settle for third.

PRACTICE SHORTS

* Gravel trouble. Gravel traps provided a headache for three Formula One stars on Friday afternoon.

Kimi Raikkonen (McLaren), Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari) and Viantonio Liuzzi (Red Bull) all spun off the circuit backwards and dumped their respective racers in the gravel.

Marshals managed to eventually recover all three cars and each man was able to spend a few minutes on track at the end of the session.

Takuma Sato (BAR) and Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) also spent time in the outfield but they both managed to make a quick escape.

* Afternoon off. Mark Webber had Friday afternoon off but the Australian looked far from happy.

Brake troubles plagued his morning run and in the afternoon a reported gearbox problem prevented him from completing more than two installation laps.

* Local heroes. Malaysian F1 fans had a reason to cheer on Friday afternoon.

The country’s ‘de facto’ Formula One team, Sauber, ended the day fastest of all thanks to Felipe Massa.

The Swiss team has major Malaysian backing in the form of their title sponsor Petronas.

* Heating up. Friday afternoon was sweltering hot at Sepang and many of the F1 fraternity were feeling the heat.

Air temperatures peaked at almost 40 degrees Celsius.

Written: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 07:13:38