Ahead of this morning's opening free practice session, the air temperature is 23 degrees C, and the track temperature is 18 degrees. It is exceedingly overcast, and cool.

Work has been carried out on the engines of Jenson Button, Jarno Trulli and Christijan Albers, however, according to the FIA's technical delegate Jo Bauer, the work was carried out, "under the supervision of an FIA technical delegate in accordance with Article 87 of the 2006 Formula One Sporting Regulations." Which means that none of the drivers will be penalized with a grid penalty. A couple of cam cover bolts were replaced on the Honda powerplant, while oil pump seals were replaced on the Toyotas units.

Meanwhile, following the scrutineers decision, whereby Toro Rosso was order to remove its mass damper system, we understand that Renault has had a change of heart and will run without the controversial device.

The lights go green, and first out is Davidson, followed by Jani, Wurz, Winkelhock and Doornbos.

First driver to post a time (1:28.102) is Wurz, who has been revealed as one of WilliamsF1's race drivers for 2007. The track is damp, following overnight rain, with more rain to follow over the course of the weekend.

With fifteen minutes of the session done, Davidson is quickest of the five driver who have posted time, the Englishman's best effort being a 1:26.195.

Kimi Raikkonen, Pedro de la Rosa, Takuma Sato and Jarno Trulli are the first of the big guns to go out, however, the Italian is the only driver to stay out for a second lap.

With over twenty minutes gone, there are still only five names on the timesheet, Davidson, Wurz, Doornbos, Winkelhock and Jani.

The Austrian raises the benchmark with a 1:24.547, the Austrian having completed the most laps thus far (12). On the spectator banks a group of fans wave an Austrian flag which bears the words "Wurz is back". Indeed he is.

That said, Davidson takes the top spot, the Englishman crossing the line at 1:23.684. The Honda test driver is being linked with Super Aguri for next year.

Scott Speed and Tonio Liuzzi come out to play, followed, a few minutes later, by Yamamoto and Monteiro.

With twenty-three minutes remaining, Fernando Alonso heads down the pitlane - still only five names on the timesheet.

As Alonso returns to the pits, Ralf leave. This session is setting new standards in terms of tedium.

Yamamoto is the sixth driver to post a time (32.558), as Wurz raises the benchmark with a 22.941. The pole winning time in 2005 was 1:19.882.

With twelve minutes remaining, Giancarlo Fisichella heads down the pitlane, however, like so many before him, the Italian merely completes an installation lap.

Jarno Trulli goes sixth with a 1:26.503, as teammate Ralf goes eighth (30.110). Meanwhile, with just under six minutes remaining, Michael Schumacher takes to the track.

Rubens Barrichello goes fourth (25.123), as Davidson reclaims the top spot with a 22.396.

Michael completes an installation lap, but stays out, as the German appears to be going for a timed lap. The Ferrari driver goes third (23.166), demoting former teammate Barrichello who had just improved.

Jenson Button goes seventh (25.061), as Raikkonen and de la Rosa leave the pits.

Schumacher fails to improve, and consequently is dropped to fourth, as Raikkonen crosses the line at 22.805 to go second.

As the Finn goes quickest in the first sector, Schumacher hits back, going quickest in the second. The German goes second with a 22.499, but Raikkonen posts 21.624 to take the top spot. An excruciatingly boring session until the last couple of moments.

De la Rosa goes fourth (22.730), giving McLaren good cause for optimism.

The session ends with Kimi quickest, ahead of Davidson, Michael, de la Rosa, Wurz, Barrichello, Button, Doornbos, Trulli, Winkelhock.