Schumacher still on top

Michael Schumacher again led the way in the first part of Saturday morning practice for the San Marino Grand Prix

However, McLaren duo Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard were not far behind and the top three were covered by just 0.123s.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen was fourth, a second off the pace but ahead of the second Ferrari of Rubens Barrichello.

Williams had a troubled session, Jenson Button failing to set a time and Ralf Schumacher spinning into the gravel. The German wound up ninth, having been as high as fourth at one point.

Also in trouble was Nick Heidfeld, the Prost driver having a minor off at the Tamburello chicane.

Johnny Herbert's luck appears to be improving however, the Jaguar driver managing more laps than any other driver and finishing the session in eighth place, 0.8s quicker than team-mate Eddie Irvine.

Times from first Saturday morning session:

1	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari	1m25.085s
2	Mika Hakkinen	McLaren	1m25.189s
3	David Coulthard	McLaren	1m25.208s
4	Heinz-Harald Frentzen	Jordan	1m26.097s
5	Rubens Barrichello	Ferrari	1m26.475s
6	Jarno Trulli	Jordan	1m26.507s
7	Mika Salo	Sauber	1m26.650s
8	Johnny Herbert	Jaguar	1m26.733s
9	Ralf Schumacher	Williams	1m26.807s
10	Jacques Villeneuve	BAR	1m26.815s
11	Pedro Diniz	Sauber	1m26.999s
12	Giancarlo Fisichella	Benetton	1m27.156s
13	Jean Alesi	Prost	1m27.412s
14	Eddie Irvine	Jaguar	1m27.539s
15	Nick Heidfeld	Prost	1m27.549s
16	Pedro de la Rosa	Arrows	1m27.571s
17	Alex Wurz	Benetton	1m27.785s
19	Jos Verstappen	Arrows	1m27.850s
20	Marc Gene	Minardi	1m28.155s
21	Gaston Mazzacane	Minardi	1m28.512s
22	Jenson Button	Williams	no time