UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Prac 2.1: Fisichella from Schu

Renault on top early

Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella made the fastest start to Saturday morning in Barcelona.

The Italian, despite only completing four flying laps at Circuit de Catalunya, was the class of the field with an impressive time of 1:15.605.

Ferrari’s seven-time champion, Michael Schumacher, ended the day’s first run second, an agonising two hundredths short of Fisichella’s with a 1:15.631.

Toyota’s Ralf Schumacher, younger brother to Michael, finished third fastest.

Overall the third session of practice for the Spanish Grand Prix was an interesting one.

Ferrari proved they are by no means short of pace at Barcelona, while Renault answered the Scuerdia’s challenge.

Toyota also showed that they can’t be counted out with Ralf challenging the leaders.

Also of interest was Red Bull Racing with Tonio Liuzzi and David Coulthard both setting a competitive pace.

PRACTICE SHORTS

* Spun out. Michael Schumacher proved he isn’t infallible on Saturday morning.

The Ferrari ace, after setting the fastest first sector time, lost control of his Ferrari and spun.

No harm was done and he went on to record the provisional best time next lap around.

* Late start. Mark Webber was finally able to turn a lap of Barcelona during Saturday’s first session.

After his Williams was fitted with a new engine over night, the Australian got straight down to work.

Over the 45 minute run he completed 15 laps with a best time of 1:17.701 to finish 10th fastest.

* Technical troubles. Minardi’s Spanish struggle continued with Christijan Albers stopping on the circuit for the third session in succession.

The Dutchman’s PS05 ran into technical troubles midway through the run leaving him with no choice but to dump it in the gravel.

Written: Sat, 07 May 2005 07:58:06