Courtney tops practice

The Australian, driving for the Japanese TOM'S outfit, has so far been quickest in every session so far, and is looking to keep that form into qualifying this afternoon.

"It's going really well. I didn't want to do anything crazy and my team-mate tried something new with the gears which appears to be quicker. So we will probably make some changes before this afternoon. The car is working well and I am very happy."

American Antinucci was also upbeat about his chances, and believes that the characteristics of the tyres will go a long way to determining who claims pole.

"We've been quick in every session but have lost our best laps thanks to traffic or red flags," said the Hitech Racing driver. "I'm happy with the car and it will be a question of getting the best out of the tyres and not being caught out by other people's crashes."

The barriers once again claimed a number of victims in the session. Rob Austin brought out the red flags after his shunt, while Naoki Yokomizo heavily damaged his car in a crash at San Francisco Bend. Other drivers to damage their car included Nelson Piquet Jr, Pedro Barrall, Ryan Briscoe and Katsuyuki Hiranaka.