Australian GP: Ferrari Saturday notes

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro carried on where it left off yesterday, by topping the time sheets at the end of the hour and half of free practice this morning. Michael Schumacher was quickest in 1m 26.177, completing 21 laps, ahead of Rubens Barrichello (1m 26.331, 16 laps).

Once again track conditions were very tricky, changing from wet to dry and back again. This complicated the job of fine tuning the chassis and evaluating tyres, so the Ferrari team restricted itself to making only minor adjustments, having already got a clear picture on tyres during yesterday's session. Barrichello was in positive mood at the end of the session. The car is good, especially over the bumps and I am happy with the Bridgestone tyres," said the Brazilian.

In third place, over one second behind Barrichello, is Juan Pablo Montoya in the Williams (1.27.394, 20 laps,) just ahead of team-mate Ralf Schumacher (1.24.424, 28 laps.) Continuing the two-by-two team theme, fifth and sixth places went to the McLarens of David Coulthard (1.27.505, 15 laps) and Kimi Raikkonen (1.27.635, 16 laps).

The distinction of having the first big accident of the season went to Japanese driver Takuma Sato. The rookie Jordan man went off into the barriers, causing the first half of the session to be red flagged. Now, everyone in the Melbourne paddock is keeping an eye on the skies, to see if qualifying will be wet or dry.

-ferrari-