Schumacher admits his advantage could go

The German was six tenths of a second faster than title rival Mika Hakkinen at the end of the first day's practice for the race that could decide the championship.

"Being six tenths ahead is obviously a good sign, but I don't expect to keep the gap so huge," said Schumacher. "I expect they'll improve their car, but I hope we can too.

"We've had a good day and that's obviously encouraging for the whole weekend. But you never know what our opponents can do, and they don't know what we can do on top of that."

The double champion, who takes an eight-point lead into the race that could make him champion, refused to read into his dominance in Friday practice even though McLaren rival David Coulthard believes Ferrari has an advantage.

"I'm one of those people who believe Friday doesn't count," said Schumacher.

Asked about the earthquake during the second session that rocked buildings and grandstands at the circuit he said: "I didn't feel it."

For the times from the end of Friday's free practice for the Japanese GP, click HERE.