Second practice: McLaren takes 1-2

The Finn put in a lap time of 1.41.746 in the first of today's sessions, which ensured he stayed in top spot during the second stint.

Hakkinen's championship rival Eddie Irvine was well behind him.

The Ulsterman was over a second slower in fifth place in the first session, and slipped down to 10th at the end of second practice.

The session was stopped after 17 minutes, when Hakkinen's team-mate David Coulthard crashed out.

He was unhurt, but did not participate in the rest of the session.

After a 13-minute break, the second practice session at Suzuka was restarted.

Michael Schumacher continued to show good form on his return to Formula One.

He went third quickest in the first session, and fourth in the second with a 1.42.215.

Jordan driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen continued to run close to the front runners, after being fourth quickest in this morning's first practice.

He retained the position behind Hakkinen, Coulthard and Schumacher with a 1.42.064 after the second stint.

Retiring F1 driver Damon Hill improved on last position in the first session with a 1.43.720, which put him in 16th.

Second session results: