Fuji: Practice Sessions

Kimi Raikkonen set the pace at the remodeled Fuji Speedway this afternoon in Japan. The Finnish driver was joined at the top of the tables by his team mate Felipe Massa, the pair separated by almost 0.4s. The McLaren duo were next up, the experience of Fernando Alonso getting the better of Lewis Hamilton. The Woking racers were split by 0.15s and dominated the session until the second half when Ferrari came back.

Adrian Sutil did well by claiming a top ten slot for his Spyker in ninth, proving his initial knowledge of the track is an advantage. Both Williams finished the morning session in the top as well, Alex Wurz finishing in seventh behind Nico Rosberg in fifth. Another surprise of the first free practice was Anthony Davidson, placing his Super Aguri in tenth much to the delight of the local fans.

Free Practice One Times

The afternoon session at Fuji Speedway saw a reverse of fortune for Ferrari with McLaren dominating the top of the timing sheets. Hamilton went fastest by 0.2s over his team mate. Interestingly, Felipe Massa went little faster than what he managed before lunch, but still secured third place meaning Raikkonen went slower in his F2007. Kimi actually ended up in fifth before the teams finished for the day, Jarno Trulli getting the better of the Ferrari at his teams home circuit.

Renault improved their lot by claiming sixth and seventh, again Heikki Kovalainen managing to pip his much experienced partner. David Coulthard popped his Red Bull into eighth while Ralf Schumacher completed a good start to the weekend for Toyota by going ninth. Both Williams dropped down the timing sheet, as did the BMWs who appear to be struggling on the new layout.

Adrian Sutil couldn’t equal his morning performance, but still ended up in sixteenth ending a very productive day for the back-of-the-grid squad. Davidson and Sato also dropped down, the Japanese driver finishing in last place while the Briton managing two places higher, finishing in twentieth.

Free Practice Two Times

Formula One, F1, Japanese Grand Prix, Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, McLaren