Second practice: Schumacher still in charge

None of the top drivers improved on their earlier performances, Schumacher remaining 0.5s quicker than David Coulthard, despite some spectacularly committed driving by the German during the session.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen was third for Jordan despite spinning off on his final lap, ahead of Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello and the impressive Ralf Schumacher, who improved to fifth in the Williams-BMW.

Mika Hakkinen finally made it onto the track with just six minutes remaining after the McLaren mechanics rectified the engine fault that prevented the Finn from completing a lap in the first session.

Even when he did get out of the pits, Hakkinen's frustration continued as Gaston Mazzacane dumped his Minardi in the gravel at turn nine, bringing out the yellow flags.

By the time the car was removed from the edge of the circuit Hakkinen had time for just one flying lap, which was then spoilt by a grassy excursion.

The Arrows team again suggested that it could be this season's surprise package, Pedro de la Rosa and Jos Verstappen moving up to seventh and eighth positions.

Johnny Herbert's frustrations continued, his Jaguar pulling into the pits in a cloud of engine smoke. He was still faster than team-mate Eddie Irvine.

Ricardo Zonta also hit trouble, spinning twice in the space of a minute, while Giancarlo Fisichella had a brief off.

Mika Salo and Marc Gene were the other drivers to improve on their earlier performances, moving up to 11th and 14th respectively.

Combined practice times from Melbourne: