Ahead of today's second free practice session, the air temperature is 20 degrees C, and the track temperature is 32 degrees. It is overcast, but the shine is trying to shine through.

We understand that Hamilton's problem this morning was due to the engine protection system shutting down the engine because it was too cool. Adrian Sutil lost track-time due to a hydraulic problem, wile Kubica was out late because the "asymmetric steering forces were incorrect". Whatever they are!!

With Takuma Sato causing a traffic jam at the start of the first session, this time it's Davidson who is in the wars. As the Englishman drives out of his garage he is clouted by Liuzzi, damaging the front wing on the Super Aguri. As his mechanics repair the damage, checking the front suspension, in a masterpiece of understatement Davidson comments; "it's very tight in the pitlane".

Back on track, with less than five minutes of the session gone, ten drivers have posted times, with Speed heading Kubica and Heidfeld.

Fisichella goes quickest (17.190), but Hamilton is already on a hot lap, going quickest in sectors one and two. At the line the McLaren drivers posts 16.276, going quickest by almost a second.

Fisichella is really hitting the kerbs, as the Italian loses second spot to David Coulthard in the Red Bull.

Felipe Massa is on track, however, with the Brazilian locking up heavily at a number of corners he can only manage a 17.362, which puts him sixth. Next time around there are no such mistakes, the Ferrari driver goes quickest with a 16.198.

As Kimi Raikkonen leaves the pits, Fernando Alonso goes third, slotting in between Hamilton and Coulthard.

On his first flying lap Raikkonen goes second, crossing the line at 16.199. Meanwhile, Rosberg is advised that he has graining to his left-front and at the rear. Replays show Raikkonen is also hitting the kerbs with tremendous force, particularly at the final chicane.

The 'green' track and cool temperatures are causing problems for a number of drivers, including Liuzzi and Albers, who both have off track moments.

3.7 kms of the total 4.2 km track here have been resurfaced, mainly because the track had become so slippery. The only bit that hasn't been done is from Chateau d'Eau to just after the Lycee complex which was resurfaced when the circuit was remodelled a year or so ago.

As Davidson and Barrichello look set to improve - Super Aguri clearly having the legs of Honda this weekend - Massa goes quickest in all three sectors, raising the benchmark to 15.473.

Sutil complains of a lack of stability in the corners, which account for why he and his teammate are both over 3s off the pace.

As Massa goes quickest in sector one, Hamilton posts a 15.946 to go second. Elsewhere, Mark Webber goes fifth with a 16.562, which puts him ahead of Kubica, Coulthard, Fisichella, Trulli and Heidfeld. Moments later, Coulthard improves to fourth with a 16.403.

Nico Rosberg is pushing hard, the German taking fourth with a 16.003. However, all eyes are on Liuzzi who posts 15.925 to go second.