Ferrari not expecting Renault struggle

The French squad's drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Fernando Alonso were only 11th and 15th quickest in this afternoon's practice. Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and teammate Felipe Massa were second and fifth respectively.

Schumacher has won the last two races in France and Indianapolis, as Ferrari seem to have stolen Renault's march mainly thanks to an improved performance from their Bridgestone tyres.

But Brawn warned not to read too much into today's times.

"I'd like to think so, but I don't think that is the case," said Brawn when asked if Renault were in trouble. "They didn't do much running today and the track... there was a short spell of rain. Nobody did any serious running before the rain."

Ferrari are 21 points behind Renault in the standings with seven races remaining, with Schumacher 17 behind Alonso.

Brawn said Ferrari are planning to on the attack in order to reduce the gap to the French squad.

"We have to try and win all the races," he added. "It's not much good to us to finish in a solid points-scoring position. So we have to be aggressive, but we can't take risks on performance that isn't there.

"We won't put something on the car unless we know it is a good step forward."