Dismal day for DC

The undertray of his McLaren MP4-16 was ripped apart when he hit the high kerbing at Turn 11 towards the end of the first session, and he missed the entire second session as the car was repaired.

Ferrari has lodged a complaint about the circuit and officials are expected to make changes to the kerb before Saturday morning practice.

"It is a very aggressive kerb, at right angles to the car and is going to do damage if a car hits it," said McLaren team boss Ron Dennis. "I understand changes will be made before tomorrow but the damage is already done for David.

"Changes to the circuit are normally listed in a document given to us before the start of every race, and if this one had been done we would have noted it."

While Michael Schumacher ended Friday at the top of the times, Coulthard could only leaf through a magazine in his motorhome as mechanics worked on his car. He was 10th quickest from his morning time.

Rubens Barrichello was second in the other Ferrari and Mika Hakkinen third.