Ferrari bullish on Barcelona chances

Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa and seven times champion Schumacher were fastest in this morning's practice when only three of the drivers who will race on Sunday set times.

Schumacher, winner of the last two races and 13 points adrift of Fernando Alonso in the championship after five rounds, was the second quickest racing driver in the afternoon, only behind world champion Alonso.

"I am very happy with the work we have done today, centred on the Bridgestone tyres and on adapting the 248 F1 to the track conditions," said Schumacher. "Compared with the last time we were here we have a few updates on the car and steps forward with the tyres.

"I think we can be competitive, even though we have yet to go into detail on the data. There are a lot of factors to consider. Looking at the times this morning we were quick and the good thing is that this afternoon, over a longer distance we were both quick and consistent, so the situation looks pretty good."

Massa, fresh from the first podium finish of his career after taking third place at the Nurburgring last weekend, claimed the quickest time in the morning, but was only 17th fastest in the afternoon.

The Brazilian, however, was equally bullish about Ferrari's chances.

"This weekend has got off on the right foot," he said. "The day went very well and we worked almost exclusively on the Bridgestone tyres, obviously looking towards the race. Michael and I split the work load, using different types of tyre.

"Today I was not trying to do a time but just wanted to understand how the tyres performed over a long run. I am very satisfied with the 248 F1 and what we achieved today."

Both Schumacher and Massa have fresh engines.