Formula One news

Raikkonen ends tight final practice on top

Kimi Raikkonen kept his lead in second practice on Friday afternoon by the narrowest of margins, ending the day with a best lap of 1m36.607s - just 0.006s faster than Fernando Alonso's best. Felipe Massa was just 0.023s off his team mate's leading pace.

Conditions were just as warm and sunny in second practice as they were in the morning with air temperature reaching 30 degrees Centigrade and the track some 47 degrees.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton remained fourth, 0.269s off the pace but comfortably ahead of Jarno Trulli in fifth. Mark Webber showed more of the pace he had in Japan as he set the sixth fastest time.

Ralf Schumacher, who doesn't have a drive for next season, finished seventh fastest ahead of Coulthard, Rosberg and Fisichella.

more news

• 14 Oct.
  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could become night race
  • Haug: Di Resta won't race in F1 next year
  • BMW to support Kubica in his championship battle
  • Bridgestone to bring its hardest compounds to China
  • Glock ready to bounce back
  • Trulli hopes Chinese luck will change
• 13 Oct.
  • Alonso willing to help Massa
  • Brawn: China won't be any different
  • Hamilton blames Massa for crash
  • Kubica not giving up on championship
  • Alonso confident for last two races
• 12 Oct.
  • A point and a crash for Red Bull
  • Ferrari salvages eight crucial points
  • Kubica takes BMW's eleventh podium of season
  • McLaren reels from major blow
  • Second win crowns major Renault pay day
  • Bourdais penalty hands Massa extra point
  • No joy for Williams in Japan
  • Four home points for Toyota
  • Pointless day for Honda
  • Mixed feelings for Force India
  • Hamilton admits mistake, vows to stay aggressive
  • Delighted Alonso celebrates victory
  • Untouchable Alonso storms to second victory
  • Photos: Sunday at Fuji
• 11 Oct.
  • Honda to announce 2009 driver line-up after the season
  • Ferrari faces uphill battle
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Another double top ten for Toro Rosso
  • McLaren delighted with qualifying
  • Back row again for Force India
  • BMW hopes rest with Kubica
  • Alonso keeps Renault competitive
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole

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