2002 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
First Saturday Practice Session Report

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Reports & Results from other sessions

First Saturday Practice Session Report - Results

Again Ferrari confirms domination. Michael Schumacher laps in 1.26.177, virtually two seconds faster than the fastest time (which was also set by Michael) during last year's first Saturday practice. Rubens Barrichello is 3 tenths of a second behind but still more than a second faster than David Coulthard who was third fastest.

The session started on a dry track in cloudy conditions. Alex Yoong was first out in the Minardi and set the first time of the day (1.37.139) almost ten seconds slower than the best pace on Friday.

Fisichella, McNish, Panis, Button and Frentzen get a chance to fight for the lead until Coulthard and Raikkonen, the first of the leading teams, takes first and second place within a few laps.

The session is halted due to a serious crash by Takumo Sato. Although he managed to get out of the car and walk away under his own steam he is away to be checked out for injuries. The session is red flagged and silence returns to Albert Park.

as soon as the session is resumed the two Ferraris are on the track and they dominate from there on. Barrichello is first to lead on the timing board and looks as if he will not be beaten but Michael Schumacher puts in a blistering lap seconds before the session ends to firmly establish himself as the fastest man of the morning (1.26.177).

It is obvious that Ferrari are not disadvantaged by using last year's car. They are very competitive, if not dominant. 

At this stage both McLarens are also faster than the two Williams cars, but it is not surprising to see that all six top spots are taken by Ferrari, McLaren and Williams.

3 Tenths of a second separate the next six cars (Panis, Heidfeld, Massa, Trulli, Button and Fisichella). At this stage it certainly looks as if there will be more excitement behind the leaders where racing will be very close.

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