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

• 04 Jul.
  • Alonso's engine problem didn't surprise the team
  • Photos: Friday at Silverstone
  • McLaren drivers happy with first day at Silverstone
  • Mixed day for Williams drivers
  • Clutch problems for Glock, new rear wing for Trulli
  • Steady start for Red Bull drivers
  • Donington pleased with F1 contract
  • Kovalainen fastest in the afternoon
  • British Grand Prix moves to Donington
  • Fastest time and heavy crash for Massa
  • British drivers will miss Coulthard
  • Batmobile challenges Glock at Silverstone
• 03 Jul.
  • Webber extends Red Bull contract
  • Horner will miss good friend and gentleman Coulthard
  • Coulthard to retire at end of season
  • New at GPUpdate.net: Live reports
  • Photos: Thursday at Silverstone
  • Massa targets British podium
  • Raikkonen to use new engine
  • Ecclestone leaves door open for British Grand Prix
• 02 Jul.
  • Singapore Grand Prix to build 1,600 extra seats
  • Webber: We cannot afford to lose Silverstone too
  • Sutil expects step forward
• 01 Jul.
  • Fisichella doing fine after heavy crash
  • Toro Rosso happy with its current drivers
  • Toyota joins forces with Batman
  • Coulthard optimistic for second half of the year
  • Rosberg expects better performance at Silverstone
  • Paul Ricard boss steps down
  • Silverstone Tech File
• 30 Jun.
  • Photos: Coulthard and Bourdais enjoy Bull event in Pamplona
  • Coulthard and Bourdais enjoy Bull event in Pamplona
  • Championship lead means little to Massa
  • Button: British Grand Prix is something special
  • Bourdais' future in Formula 1 uncertain
• 28 Jun.
  • Hamilton determined to win at Silverstone
• 27 Jun.
  • Kubica: We've lost ground on Ferrari and McLaren
  • Hill: Hamilton can win at Silverstone
  • Unfortunate day of testing for Coulthard and Glock
  • Force India introduces sharkfin engine cover

Homepage