Montreal, 23rd June 2006

The Gilles Villeneuve circuit is often described as "Monaco without the barriers," because although the Canadian circuit is low downforce and high on speed, like the track in the Principality it is hardly ever used for racing, has the feel of a street circuit about it and has minimal run off areas.

So it is ironic that both Felipe Massa and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro technical director, Ross Brawn compared the situation the team found itself in today to the one it experienced on Thursday in Monaco a couple of grands prix ago.

Both tracks are very dirty and slippery on the first day and the 248 F1 seemed particularly badly affected by this situation, although the team is confident that, as the track "rubbers in" as the improvement in grip levels is known, the performance will improve. This and the fact that both drivers used just one set of tyres for the whole day contributed to Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa ending the first day of practice in fifteenth and twenty second position respectively.

Once again, Poland's Robert Kubica impressed in the BMW-Sauber, as the third driver set the fastest time today. Second was reigning world champion, Fernando Alonso in the Renault, followed by the Williams of Alex Wurz. Kimi Raikkonen was fourth in his McLaren-Mercedes ahead of the Honda of Anthony Davidson, while Giancarlo Fisichella ensured that Renault was the only team to get two cars in the top six today.