F1: Schumacher fastest in FP2 at Melbourne

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher ended the second practice session in Melbourne fastest for Mercedes. The last time Schumi topped an FP2 session in Japan, 2004 – 16 current F1 drivers were yet to make their debuts.

Practice started in wet conditions once again but by the time Schumacher came on for his final run, the track was starting to dry out and the veteran made the most of the conditions.

Some of the teams did their initial running on wet weather tyres, while others hung back in the pits waiting for conditions to improve which is why the timings of the other top drivers are not really great. The question we will all be asking is whether Schumacher can replicate this form and grab an improbably pole.

The track, which was literally soaked, caught out several drivers including Daniel Ricciardo, who had a high-speed spin in his Toro Rosso. Mark Webber wasn’t spared either as he was one of several drivers to cut across the run-off at the first corner.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was one of the first drivers to use intermediates, hustling his Ferrari around the Albert Park track to set the fastest time. His place at the top of the times was later taken by Michael Schumacher – who also went off track and damaged the front wing of his Mercedes.

The final quarter of an hour saw drivers finally get the opportunity to do laps on slick tyres. Felipe Massa and Paul di Resta swapped fastest times before Schumacher topped the standings with a 1’30.643.

Nico Hulkenberg was the first man to lap in under 90 seconds and looked set to hold onto the top spot as he continued to improve his time on soft tyres. Before Schumacher’s last gasp effort took top spot by a tenth of a second.

The was more woe for HRT. Pedro de la Rosa once again failed to complete any running in his HRT, the team struggling with a combination of front wing and hydraulic problems.

Narain Karthikeyan was able to run during the session but came to a stop shortly before the chequered flag came out.