Petrobras take early initiative

Rookies Antonio Pizzonia and Ricardo Sperafico, who are hoping to emulate Bruno Junqueira's championship success from last year, jumped to the top of the times 15 minutes from the end of the session, having been in contention from the very start.

European Minardi's David Saelens was the first non-Brazilian in third, while Super Nova's Mario Haberfeld recovered from a couple of early spins to take fourth.

Justin Wilson was the first of the three Brits in fifth and had topped the times mid-way through the session. Darren Manning had a less fruitful time, managing only 15th after a spin. The third Brit Justin Keen, who has landed a late deal with the restructured KJR Monaco Motorsport team, held a respectable 20th place.

Benetton test driver Mark Webber will be another hoping for an improvement in the second session. The Australian is a strong tip for the title, but managed only eighth in the first session after a spin.

The second of the two 45 minute sessions takes place later today.


Antonio Pizzonia, Petrobras, 1m27.197s
Ricardo Sperafico, Petrobras, 1m27.267s
David Saelens, European Minardi Junior, 1m27.318s
Mario Haberfeld, Super Nova, 1m27.325s
Justin Wilson, Nordic, 1m27.379s
Jaime Melo, Durango Formula, 1m27.393s
Mark Webber, Super Nova, 1m27.442s
Bas Leinders, KTR, 1m27.556s
Antonio Garcia, Red Bull Junior Team, 1m27.598s
Tomas Enge, Nordic, 1m27.604s