Relaxed Schumacher fastest in practice

The German, who didn't bother to make an appearance at all in the first session this morning, looked calm and relaxed watching team-mate Eddie Irvine out on the track.

With 15 minutes to go, Irvine set the quickest time of 1.18.199. But just six minutes later and after only completing six laps during the day, Michael Schumacher stormed into top position with a 1.17.912.

At the start of the session, Schumacher had looked in trouble on his first lap of the day - 20 minutes into the session.

His engine was puffing, and the German appeared to lock up a front tyre and head straight into the gravel trap.

However, he quickly regained control and headed for the pits.

Schumacher did not look at all happy at this point, especially with Hakkinen standing in front of the Ferrari garage with his arms folded, looking comfortably on top of things.

Some 37 minutes into the session, Coulthard spun his McLaren on the exit of Lycee.

The McLarens continued to attempt to topple Schumacher from top spot, but they could not best the German's flying lap.

Practice times after second session at Magny-Cours