The opening practice session for the French Grand Prix at Magny Cours saw the return of normal service to Formula One after a fortnight of political unease.
Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren third driver here today, set the fastest time with a blistering 1:14.778s, the Spaniard edging out the Renault pair of Championship leader Fernando Alonso (1:15.183) and Giancarlo Fisichella (1:15.255).
The first half hour of the session saw de la Rosa trading times with French veteran Olivier Panis, appearing at his home race as third driver for Toyota, but 'Olive' could only manage 1:16.146.
The Toyota race drivers had a less productive time, with Ralf Schumacher making 1:16.771, and Indianapolis pole-sitter Jarno Trulli the only driver not to set a time.
McLaren look in good shape. As well as the fastest time by de la Rosa, Kimi Raikkonen staked further claim to his Championship challenge with fifth fastest (1:15.877) with team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya eighth on 1:16.366.
Also looking quick were the two BAR Hondas of Takuma Sato (fourth - 1:15.530) and Jenson Button (sixth - 1:16.038).
Ferrari have work to do with Michael Schumacher only 11th and Rubens Barrichello 14th, and Williams-BMW drivers Nick Heidfeld and Mark Webber finished only tenth and 15th respectively.
Written: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 10:18:37
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