Schumacher Slowed by Hydraulics Problem

Michael Schumacher's Friday's practice was hampered by a hydraulics problem that saw him completing just nine laps in the afternoon session.

While Ferrari's six-times World Champion Schumacher was second quickest in the morning, he was only ninth in the afternoon as he prepared for what he hopes will be a triumphant homecoming on Sunday.

"My day was slightly handicapped by a hydraulic problem and we will now have to investigate to see what caused it," said the German at the end of the session. "In general, we have enough data to make a tyre choice thanks to the work done by Rubens."

Champions Ferrari, who have won three of the last four European Grands Prix, started the day with a minute's silence after the death of Umberto Agnelli, chairman of the team's Fiat parent company.

"I was shocked this morning to hear of the death of Umberto Agnelli. Our thoughts are with his family, especially his son Andrea," Schumacher added. "I have so many memories of Mr. Agnelli, who always supported us and with whom I spent many happy times."

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher's Ferrari teammate, was sixth and the only other driver on Bridgestone tyres in the top 10.

"I can say that it was a good day for me," said Barrichello. "We gathered sufficient data, so now we must prepare as well as possible for qualifying and the race. From what we have seen today it will however be a very tough weekend."