By Luke Marc Carlile-Stanton
October 7 2006

Toyota drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli had varying fortunes in Saturday's third practice for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Ralf finished second behind his brother Micahel Schumacher in the Ferrari, whilst Jarno was in 20th spot.

Jenson Button in the Honda was third. This weekend should see a fantastic duel between the two rival Japanese manufactuers of Toyota and Honda, expect more in Qualifying. Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella was 5th fastest ahead of reigning World Champion and Team Mate Fernando Alonso who was off the pace of his title rival Michael Schumacher, but we should not read too much into these practice results a lot can change when Qualifying arrives.

BMW-Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld was 6th ahead of fellow Gemran Nico Rosberg who was 7th for Williams. Mclaren's Kimi Raikkonen, Heidfeld's team mate Robert Kubica and Ferrari number 2 Felipe Massa rounded out the top 10. As usual the Super Aguri pair finished 21st and 22nd but with Sakon Yamamoto getting the better of team mate Takuma Sato.

Japanese GP free practice session 3 times:

1.  M SCHUMACHER  Ferrari   1m30.653s
2.  R SCHUMACHER  Toyota  1m31.863s
3.  BUTTON        Honda     1m32.310s
4.  FISICHELLA    Renault F1      1m32.527s
5.  ALONSO        Renault F1     1m32.555s
6.  HEIDFELD      BMW-Sauber  1m32.590s
7.  ROSBERG       Williams Cosworth 1m32.730s
8.  RAIKKONEN     McLaren-Mercedes 1m32.730s
9.  KUBICA        BMW-Sauber   1m32.787s
10. MASSA         Ferrari      1m32.790s
11. LIUZZI        Scuderia Toro Rosso   1m32.977s
12. DE LA ROSA    McLaren Mercedes  1m33.163s
13. SPEED         Scuderia Toro Rosso   1m33.213s
14. ALBERS        Spyker-MF11m33.270s
15. WEBBER        Williams Cosworth 1m33.339s
16. COULTHARD     Red Bull Racing  1m33.451s
17. DOORNBOS      Red Bull Racing 1m33.663s
18. BARRICHELLO   Honda        1m33.748s
19. MONTEIRO      Spyker-MF1 1m33.824s
20. TRULLI        Toyota       1m34.118s
21. YAMAMOTO      Super Aguri  1m34.646s
22. SATO       Super Aguri  1m34.727s