Imola, 21st April 2006

these are the positions that Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa respectively finished the two sixty minute sessions of free practice at the "Enzo e Dino Ferrari" circuit today. The general consensus amongst the drivers and engineers was a positive one, the two hours of practice validating the progress shown at last week's test in Barcelona, particularly in terms of the new aero package and engine modifications. At the end of a trouble free day, Michael Schumacher, who drove one of his best races here last year, when he finished second, was particularly optimistic, reckoning that the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro team was in with a chance of pole position tomorrow and a race win on Sunday.

That would definitely please the weekend crowd and the many tifosi from the newly formed Scuderia Ferrari Club who were here today in their own grandstand. In fact, the man who beat Michael to the win here in 2005, Fernando Alonso, was the only driver to go quicker than Schumacher today, setting the quickest time in his Renault. Recording his most impressive result of the season was Robert Kubica. The Polish driver who tests for the BMW Sauber team on Fridays was third quickest. He was followed by another Friday-only man, Honda's Anthony Davidson. Felipe Massa was fifth for Ferrari, with Giancarlo Fisichella rounding off the top six for Renault.