Toyota Duo Lament Difficult Day

Although Trulli has taken strong second placed finishes in the last two races, he could manage no better than 13th overall in practice as his Toyota team struggled once again to get their car set-up for the Imola track.

"This was a typical Friday putting in runs to test out the two Michelin tyre compounds and set-ups for the weekend," explained Trulli. "In the morning I put in only one installation lap to save mileage, but we did some more running in the afternoon.

"Imola has been a difficult circuit for Toyota in the past and, while the car felt okay running over kerbs, we are not entirely happy what we have achieved so far here. Still, we will be doing everything to keep up our run of scoring points."

Schumacher ended practice 15th fastest and was well aware that the team had to make significant improvements to the car if they were going to be in the hunt for another podium finish.

"This was a difficult day for everybody and we still have a lot of work to do and the car for the weekend," said Schumacher. "We had no technical problems, but it is hard to find grip around the circuit so that is the first thing we have to work on.

"The famous Imola kerbs are not so much of an issue for us here as the car felt reasonably good over them. But tyre choice is difficult; even if I'm sure we'll make a good one in the end. Then we will push for another good result."