In the first free Saturday morning session ...

Published on 06 September 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

In the first free Saturday morning session both McLaren's of Hakkinen and Coulthard were fastest. In the first quarter of the session thinks looked different. Fisichella was fastest at first, followed by Villeneuve. Coulthard though broke the 1:24 barrier for the first time with 1:23.691. After that Hakkinen topped him and Michael Schumacher also set a time under 1:24, 1:23.815, and became third. In the last quarter Hakkinen improved his time once more to 1:23.346 before giving up with a mechanical failure. Trulli spinned his car in the Ascari-corner. When he was able to drive again his Mugen-Honda engine blew up.

Eventually the top six was formed by Hakkinen, Coulthard, Michael Schumacher, Fisichella, Villeneuve and Irvine. Jos only managed a 20th time, 1:27.259, and Mika Salo a 15th time with 1:25.561. A complete overview can be found in our season section.