Hakkinen plays down slow times

The Finn was 15th fastest in the brand new C-Class, and Bruno Spengler was the only driver to get one of the 2007-spec Mercedes into the top 10.

There was a surprise at the top of the timesheets as reigning Formula Three Euro Series champion Paul di Resta was fastest in a two-year-old Mercedes, but Hakkinen was not too worried about the performance of the new cars.

"I don't think there is any reason to take the times from today very seriously," said Hakkinen, who was slowest in the speed traps during free practice.

"We are still trying setups with the cars, and all four cars went in different directions."

Reigning champion Bernd Schneider was only 12th fastest in one of the other new Mercedes, while Jamie Green was just behind Hakkinen in 15th.

However, the former Formula One world champion is optimistic for qualifying on Saturday due to the pace of Spengler.

"Bruno was in good shape today," he added. "I was expecting things to be better today, but tomorrow will be a different story."

Half a second covered the top 12 cars during free practice ahead of the first round of the season, and just one second covered 19 of the 20 cars on track.