09/06/2006
NEWS STORY
Robert Kubica set a searing pace on the opening day of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The 21-year-old Pole lapped the 5.141-kilometre (3.194-mile) track in 1:21.082s – 0.864s faster than any other driver. Anthony Davidson was third on aggregate while Giancarlo Fisichella was fourth, and fastest of the regular racers. World championship leader Fernando Alonso and Rubens Barrichello were also among the top 10.
This morning's first free practice was briefly red-flagged after Frenchman Franck Montagny's Super Aguri broke down on the pit straight.
Super Aguri is running a third car for the first time this season. Japanese driver Sakon Yamamoto handled Friday testing duties.
Scuderia Toro Rosso reserve Neel Jani faces a busy weekend. As well as conducting his regular F1 testing duties, the Swiss is also competing in both GP2 Series races. He is substituting for injured Arden International driver Nicolas Lapierre.
Nick Shorrock, Michelin Formula One director: "Today began fairly slowly, but teams completed plenty of laps during the second free practice session and our six partners gathered some valuable comparison data while evaluating the tyres we have available this weekend.
"Track conditions h ave changed since we tested here six weeks ago, but not significantly. Even so, it is vital to work out the correct set-up because the circuit is always very demanding on tyres. I think the fact we saw quite a few cars straying off- course reflects the fact that teams are still fine-tuning their chassis.
"We have six compounds here this weekend and all appear to be working very well, although we still have to pore over the data before determining the direction we should take tomorrow. From what we can see, our rival appears to be running similar products and we anticipate that competition will be tight in both qualifying and the race.
"Last but not least, I'd like to compliment Robert Kubica on his performance today– he was exceptionally quick on a single-lap flyer and consistently fast during long runs in both sessions."