Disappointing Day for McLaren

McLaren drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard endured a disappointing free practice session on Friday, as they ended the day way behind Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, who set the fastest time.

Hakkinen was fourth fastest, slower than the Williams of Schumacher's younger brother Ralf, and the Finn admitted he was not happy with his car after ending the day a massive 1.2 seconds off the best time.

"I'm not so pleased with the car today," said Hakkinen. "I have too much understeer which lost us time. However we are all working hard to understand how we can find a solution."

Meanwhile, Briton Coulthard, who is second in the championship behind Schumacher, spun off into the gravel trap at Acque Minerale and was 11th fastest.

"Unfortunately I couldn't re-select a gear," said Coulthard. "So that was the end of only my second run in the dry.

"The balance of the car in the wet was quite good despite a spin when I tried to find the limit."