Schu awaits fine weather

The Ferrari driver completed just 11 laps in total as heavy rain hit the Circuit de Nevers. Both he and team-mate Rubens Barrichello seemed to have received early word of the planned storms and went out early in the first session setting times that were immediately on the pace.

When the heavens opened the pair retreated to the pits and did not venture out again until a dry-ish line was beginning to form in the second half of the second session. Barrichello's fastest time in the first session remained unchallenged with Schumacher being edged out in the dying moments by Toyota's Cristiano da Matta.

"A rather different Friday to normal and we were not able to run much because of the weather," Schumacher said. "We decided there was little point in running in the wet as the forecast is for dry weather over the next two days. We preferred to only go out in the dry and we did manage to sort out the car a little bit. But to be honest, I did not get much of a feeling as to how it is going."

Barrichello was of the same opinion. "It was not a difficult day because the weather meant we did very few laps," he said. "The car was okay this morning and in the second session I only went out on used tyres so it is hard to have an impression of how the car is performing. We will have to wait until tomorrow to define the right car set-up and tyre choice."

For Ferrari managing director Jean Todt, the day had special meaning, despite the murky skies.

"This is a special race for me as I certainly cannot forget that it was here on 1st July 11 years ago that I began my career with Ferrari," said the Frenchman. "Today was affected by the changeable weather. The alternating rain and sun has led the FIA to put back the deadline by when all drivers have to make a tyre choice to midday tomorrow." (see separate story)