The first free practice today at the ...

Published on 10 October 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

The first free practice today at the circuit of Suzuka in Japan was held under dry weather conditions. Despite all the rules that the FIA uses to reduce the speed of the cars, they are going faster and faster. During the first session, Frentzen already drove to a lap time of 1:40.317 followed by Michael Schumacher and Villeneuve. During the second session, Ferrari showed that they did not give up this season yet. While Michael Schumacher was working on a good setup for the race, Irvine was able to set the fastest time of the day in 1:38.903! Eddie Jordan stated before this weekend that they are still aiming for their first victory which should take place this season. Ralf Schumacher showed that they have the potential, by driving the second time of the day. Most drivers were able to improve their times during the second session (only Michael Schumacher, Villeneuve and Marques did not improve their times). Well done by Panis who drove to the third fastest time, it looks as if he recovered very fast after his severe crash in Canada. The rest of the top six was completed with Frentzen, Alesi and Herbert.

Mika Salo has driven very often in the past on the circuit of Suzuka, and he was able to stay in front of Jos during the first session with 0.6 sec. However during the second session, Jos was able to improve his time to 1:42.290 (almost three seconds faster then the morning session) and was at the end 0.3 sec. faster then Mika Salo. Jos ended the day therefore on position 17, followed by Salo on position 18. For a complete overview of all session times you can take a look at our season page.