America: Practice – Toyota in the midfield


By Nick Sparkes
July 1 2006

The final practice session before this afternoons qualifying hour saw Michael Schumacher and Ferrari dominate. Even a spin by the German failed to stop him, with Felipe Massa moving up into second. Toyota once again looked to be saving tyres, with the midfield very tightly bunched. Saturday – Third Session

Ferrari looked be in a class of their own, with their nearest rival over a second behind. Nick Heidfeld looked impressive around the Indy Speedway and ended the session fourth, behind the Renault of Giancarlo Fisichella. Championship leader Fernando Alonso was down in sixth, in between the two Honda’s of Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button.

Toyota looked to have improved upon their disastrous day from yesterday and as in pervious Grand Prix weekends looked to be saving tyres. Although they finished behind the Midland of Tiago Monteiro, it looks like their could be a good fight starting between them and their fellow Bridgestone team Williams who were also out of the top ten.

With no major incidents to report everybody should be ready for the knockout qualifying session which takes place this afternoon.

1 M. Schumacher Ferrari 1:10.760 15
2 F. Massa Ferrari 1:11.039 8
3 G. Fisichella Renault 1:11.940 15
4 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:12.049 18
5 R. Barrichello Honda 1:12.149 13
6 F. Alonso Renault 1:12.202 15
7 J. Button Honda 1:12.269 18
8 J. Villeneuve BMW 1:12.327 13
9 K. Räikkönen McLaren 1:12.569 13
10 JP. Montoya McLaren 1:12.592 10
11 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:12.675 18
12 M. Webber Williams 1:12.904 15
13 T. Monteiro Midland F1 1:12.913 18
14 J. Trulli Toyota 1:13.091 21
15 R. Schumacher Toyota 1:13.101 19
16 S. Speed Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:13.103 17
17 C. Klien Red Bull 1:13.113 15
18 C. Albers Midland F1 1:14.172 19
19 N. Rosberg Williams 1:13.230 12
20 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:13.364 17
21 T. Sato Super Aguri 1:13.806 16
22 F. Montagny Super Aguri 1:14.454 10

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