Friday, September 24, 2004
Friday September 24, 10:38 PM
Cars on Track in Chinese Grand Prix
Photo: APClick to enlarge
Formula One drivers began testing the new track for the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix, and Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello found it "amazing" with lots of chances for passing.
Drivers and crews took the time to experiment during Friday's first official practice leading to Sunday's race.
Michael Schumacher, who has 12 wins this season and is assured his seventh drivers' title, finished 15th. He and Barrichello have helped Ferrari capture a sixth consecutive team title.
Anthony Davidson, the test driver for BAR-Honda, led the way on the 3.388-mile track with times of 1 minute, 35.369 seconds and 1:33.289. Barrichello was seventh in the first practice run and fifth in the second.
"I like the track very much and think it's amazing," Barrichello said. "The numbers of corners and different lines into corners make it interesting. It will be tough physically and I think there should be good overtaking possibilities."
Schumacher wasn't particularly concerned with his 15th-place showing.
"If you look at the time difference, we are pretty close together," the German said. "Usually we are up front, for whatever reasons we are not today. I am pretty sure we will find solutions for that."
Ralf Schumacher, Michael's brother, came in second at 1:35.465 in his return to Formula One racing. He missed six races after crashing into a wall at the U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis in June.
Juan Pablo Montoya was third with 1:35.761, followed by Felipe Massa in 1:36.088.
Cars on Track in Chinese Grand Prix
Photo: APClick to enlarge
Formula One drivers began testing the new track for the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix, and Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello found it "amazing" with lots of chances for passing.
Drivers and crews took the time to experiment during Friday's first official practice leading to Sunday's race.
Michael Schumacher, who has 12 wins this season and is assured his seventh drivers' title, finished 15th. He and Barrichello have helped Ferrari capture a sixth consecutive team title.
Anthony Davidson, the test driver for BAR-Honda, led the way on the 3.388-mile track with times of 1 minute, 35.369 seconds and 1:33.289. Barrichello was seventh in the first practice run and fifth in the second.
"I like the track very much and think it's amazing," Barrichello said. "The numbers of corners and different lines into corners make it interesting. It will be tough physically and I think there should be good overtaking possibilities."
Schumacher wasn't particularly concerned with his 15th-place showing.
"If you look at the time difference, we are pretty close together," the German said. "Usually we are up front, for whatever reasons we are not today. I am pretty sure we will find solutions for that."
Ralf Schumacher, Michael's brother, came in second at 1:35.465 in his return to Formula One racing. He missed six races after crashing into a wall at the U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis in June.
Juan Pablo Montoya was third with 1:35.761, followed by Felipe Massa in 1:36.088.
