Firman Feels Fine after Testing Return

Ralph Firman said he felt fine and ready to take a full part in this weekend's United States Grand Prix after making a successful return to action during Friday morning's private test session.

The Briton, driving for Jordan-Ford, wound up seventh fastest in testing after running 46 laps of the 4.192-kms circuit laid out around the infield of the famous Indianapolis Speedway.

"I feel fine, I am okay, and now I just hope it doesn't come back and upset me again overnight," said Firman, referring to the inner-ear and balance problems he had experienced since his big accident during practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.

"It has not been an easy experience to recover from."

Firman's condition was described as a form of vertigo.

Meanwhile, Germany's Ralf Schumacher showed few ill-effects to a similar kind of sickness when he returned to the circuit in Friday morning's free practice session, by topping the times almost immediately for Williams-BMW.

Schumacher had pulled out of the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago because he felt sick after taking part in Friday practice. His place was taken by Spaniard Marc Gene, who went on to qualify fifth and finish fifth at Monza.

Jordan team's technical director Gary Anderson said he was pleased with Firman's return and added that Italian Giancarlo Fisichella had been plagued by technical problems during the session.

Fisichella stopped on the straight in a cloud of dust later on Friday morning in free practice and the session was red-flagged to a half.