Hakkinen tops morning warm-up

Michael Schumacher was third fastest in the session, with Rubens Barrichello, who nabbed third spot on the grid for Stewart in yesterday's qualifying session, fifth fastest behind Olivier Panis in the Prost, perhaps indicating a heavy fuel load, and a two stop strategy for the race.

Next up were the Jordans of Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Damon Hill, continuing the Silverstone-based team's good form. Eddie Irvine was a disappointing eighth fastest for Ferrari, ahead of the BAR of Jacques Villeneuve and the Williams of Ralf Schumacher in 10th spot.

The weather for the session was dry, sunny and warm, but at the Interlagos circuit there is always the threat of rain to throw the form book into chaos.