US GP: Michelin Friday practice notes

DAVIDSON SETS INDY PACE ON MICHELINS

Honda/Michelin test driver Anthony Davidson was fastest in both free practice sessions on the opening day of the United States Grand Prix meeting at Indianapolis. The Englishman lapped in 1m 12.083s this morning - and then improved fractionally to a 1m 12.013s this afternoon. Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault, 1m 12.933s) was the fastest Michelin race driver, in fourth place on aggregate.

Six Michelin drivers from three partner teams figured in the top 10. Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber F1 Team) was third ahead of Rubens Barrichello (Honda, fifth), Jenson Button (Honda, sixth) and world championship leader Fernando Alonso (Renault, 10th). After completing its landmark century of victories in Montreal last weekend, Michelin will be chasing its 101st Formula One world championship success on Sunday.

America's only F1 driver Scott Speed (Toro Rosso/Michelin) failed to complete a flying lap in the first free practice session - a technical problem brought his car to a halt at the pit exit -- but not before Speed had been fined $1,500 for exceeding the pit lane speed limit.

Multiple world champion Michael Schumacher spun off and beached his Ferrari in the gravel during the opening free practice session. Frenchman Franck Montagny (Super Aguri) missed most of this afternoon's session after spinning off at Turn Four.

Michelin's day
Nick Shorrock, Michelin Formula One director:

"It is a pleasure to be back at Indianapolis- one of the oldest, and most iconic, venues in world motorsport. This has been a very good day for us. With the second session finishing before the rain arrived, all our partners were able to complete plenty of laps and we have acquired lots of useful data that will stand us in good stead when it comes to finalising tyre selection for the race."

"We have six dry -weather products this weekend and all seem well suited to the track. We have encountered no durability problems and the initial signs are that we are able to generate strong first-lap performance and quick, consistent pace over long runs - both factors that have been Michelin hallmarks this season."

-michelin-