Schumacher quickest overall

Ralf Schumacher surprised the F1 fraternity by going quickest overall in today's practice sessions at Monza.

The German put in a lap time of 1.24.507, followed by Jordan-bound Jarno Trulli [1.24.692] and team-mate Alex Zanardi [1.24.823].

The Ferraris of title contendor Eddie Irvine and Mika Salo languished down in 16th and 17th places respectively.

Irvine blamed his poor time on the car's handling, which he claimed had deteriorated since it's last outing at last week's Monza test.

The McLarens of Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard came sixth and eighth - both more than half a second quicker than the Ferraris.


Overall times for today's practice sessions from Monza.