Formula One news

Raikkonen flies during first practice in Melbourne

Defending champion Kimi Raikkonen began his 2008 season the way he finished his championship winning seaon: on top of the time sheets. The Ferrari driver completed his fastest lap at Albert Park in 1.26.461, which was almost half a second faster than Lewis Hamilton.

Anthony Davidson

The Formula one season officially opened this morning at Albert Park with F1's first free practice session that got underway at 10.00am. As during every free practice session every driver completed an installation lap in the first minutes of the 90-minute session.

Sixty minutes into the session sees David Coulthard entering the pitlane with a smoking car. The rear of his car is on fire but was quickly handled by the team, while the RB4 filled the Red Bull pitbox with smoke.

Nick Heidfeld

With 25 minutes left in the session Nick Heidfeld had to pull over with an electrical problem in his car. "We're not sure what the problem is but it's an electrical problem," Heidfeld said. But the German isn't too worried yet. "I expect to be back on track in today's second practice and we should still be able to complete our scheduled programme for the day."

Not much later Renault rookie driver Nelson Piquet spins at Ascari. The Brazilian stalls the car and red flags are out as his car is facing the wrong direction on the kerbstones causing a dangerous situation.

Kimi Raikkonen

For most of the session Lewis Hamilton was the fastest driver on track, but in the final minutes Kim Raikkonen pushed his Ferrari and the Finn completed the fastest lap in the end. His fastest time 1.26.461 is almost three seconds faster than last year's fastest time in the opening practice session.

more news

• 23 Nov.
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn
  • No early Brawn exit for Button
  • 'Unfinished business' for Räikkönen
  • 2010: How the grid is shaping up
• 18 Nov.
  • Button move a mistake, says Stewart
  • Donington goes into administration
  • Villeneuve working on F1 comeback
  • Whitmarsh: Money not the reason for Button move
  • Hamilton: Button arrival fantastic news
  • Button: Difficult decision to leave Brawn
  • Confirmed: Button partners Hamilton at McLaren
  • Kubica to compete in second rally

Homepage