FIRST PRACTISE TIMES

[EERO]

1) TG
2) Hakinnen
3) DC
4) RB
5) RALF
6) FISI


No surprises so far...

[neutral]

I agree, Schumi fastest as usual.

[Sparky]

From BBC Ceefax:

JAPANESE GRAND PRIX, Suzuka
Michael Schumacher overcame an earthquake to set the fastest time in opening practice for Sunday's race.
The Ferrari driver, hoping to clinch his third drivers' title in Japan, was on the track when a tremor measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck.
But the German still finished the session 0.6 seconds quicker than title rival Mika Hakkinen in his McLaren.
Buildings and grandstands at the circuit swayed for several seconds but no damage was reported.


Friday practice times:

1 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 1:38.893
2 M Hakkinen Fin McLaren 1:39.669
3 D Coulthard GB McLaren 1:40.000
4 R Barrichello Brz Ferrari 1:40.429
5 R Schumacher Ger Williams 1:40.699
6 G Fisichella It Benetton 1:40.756
7 H-H Frentzen Ger Jordan 1:41.054
8 E Irvine GB Jaguar 1:41.426
9 J Trulli It Jordan 1:41.481
10 J Villeneuve Can BAR 1:41.651
11 J Alesi Fr Prost 1:41.730
12 J Button GB Williams 1:41.730
13 J Herbert GB Jaguar 1:41.929
14 J Verstappen Hol Arrows 1:41.972
15 N Heidfeld Ger Prost 1:42.024
16 R Zonta Brz BAR 1:42.036
17 P Diniz Brz Sauber 1:42.086
18 P de la Rosa Sp Arrows 1:42.141
19 M Salo Fin Sauber 1:42.844
20 M Gene Sp Minardi 1:43.836
21 G Mazzacane Arg Minardi 1:45.238
22 A Wurz Aut Benetton 1:51.492

A couple of points:

All did well to drive through an earthquake!! An un-nerving experience at the best of times.

Eddie Irvines Suzuka experience shone through, but what happened to Wurz? Anyone know?