Ferrari Happy with F2005 Pace

World Champion Michael Schumacher set the fifth fastest time overall in the second free practice session on Friday, crucially just half a second off points leader Fernando Alonso, although there was some concern for the Maranello team after Rubens Barrichello was left stranded in the pits with a gearbox problem.

Speaking straight after Friday's practice sessions, which were topped by McLaren third driver Alexander Wurz,  Brawn said: "That was quite good. We are quite happy with the car and fairly happy with how the session has gone."

Ferrari will have lost valuable track data because of Barrichello's problems but, even though Brawn was refusing to get carried away about the overall potential of the new car, he said there was enough reason to feel happy with the progress made with it and Bridgestone's latest tyres.

"It seems alright so far, but we have to remember that track conditions change over the weekend," he added.

"I am always pessimistic, you know that, but the positive thing is that we are in the right region now near the front of the grid. If our tyres hold together, then we've got a good strategy and we are making progress with the car."