Indianapolis, 30th June 2006

Everyone remembers how important a role tyres played in the strange events at the Indianapolis Brickyard a year ago and it is clear from today's two hours of free practice that, while no difficulties on the scale of the 2005 weekend are expected, tyre consistency will play a key role. With this in mind, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro duo of Felipe Massa and Michael Schumacher, who ended the day fourth and sixth respectively, were very optimistic about the rest of this weekend.
The track was dirty in the morning, so the German driver only completed three timed laps and the Brazilian stayed in the garage throughout the hour, saving all his laps for the cleaner, grippier afternoon conditions. Running the same low downforce aero package and the same cars as in Canada a week ago both Ferrari men saved their serious running for the afternoon, comparing tyre options and working on set-up, with the F248 proving to be well balanced around this unusual circuit, the only one of the year with a banked track section.
Honda third driver Anthony Davidson was quickest today, followed by another Friday only driver, Williams' Robert Kubica. Third and therefore first of the "real" drivers was Giancarlo Fisichella in the Renault, while sandwiched between Felipe and Michael was a surprising performance from Georgio Mondini in the MF1-Toyota.