UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Kimi starts where he finished

Lewis pips Webber at home

Kimi Raikkonen started the 2008 season where he left the 2007 season - In first position. He topped the time sheets in the first session, which was good enough to see him remain as the fastest through both sessions ahead of Lewis Hamilton once again.

The British sensation caused uproar at Albert Park when he beat off Mark Webber for the first place in the second session. The late run was timed to perfection as Webber was unable to respond in the closing moments of the session.

Although he finished second in the session, Webber was fifth fastest over the two sessions as he was beaten out by Felipe Massa and Heikki Kovalainen for top four honours. That however will still be music to Australian ears as Webber aims for his highest finish at home since his debut race in 2002.

The second Red Bull Racing car of David Coulthard was the sixth fastest car of the lot. Hampered by engine problems in the first session, Coulthard maximised his running and got his setup close to where he wants it, but is still slightly off Webber in the battle of the team mates.

Jarno Trulli in the first of the Toyotas was a surprise seventh fastest overall. He spent most of the second session deep down the order but managed to get in a fast lap before beaching his car in a sand trap late in the session. Team mate Timo Glock did well, but ended up in 12th.

Nico Rosberg proved the Williams testing pace was no fluke, but still has ground to make up after both cars suffered gearbox issues in the first session. His second session pace was promising as he set the eighth fastest time, while Kazuki Nakajima lingers down the field.

Double World Champion Fernando Alonso was ninth fastest in a disappointing day as Renault struggled with reliability and pace. Nelson Piquet Junior had a problem late on in the first session and was slow in the second.

Rounding out the top ten is a big surprise in Giancarlo Fisichella of the Force India team. Not expected to do well this year, Fisichella set about turning those predictions upside down as he put down quick lap after quick lap. Sutil was following suit, not only in times, but also off track as both had many excursions.

Honda, BMW and Toro Rosso struggled to find the pace that had been seen in testing, which looms as a big disappointment for Honda and BMW after their previous good seasons. BMW in particular were expected to press for wins this season but that remains a very narrow chance after this first day.

Super Aguri were the team that no one knew was there, after doing of just 38 laps between the two cars. Reliability issues are plaguing this team who will likely be at the back tomorrow and Sunday.

Stay tuned to UpdateF1 for more coverage this weekend, including an exciting qualifying session tomorrow.

Written: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:57:10