MICHAEL SCHUMACHER SET the fastest time in second free practice for the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday.
Rain interrupted the first free practice session and did so again throughout the second at the Shanghai International circuit before Mercedes’ Schumacher topped the timesheets with 1:35.973 during a rare dry spell.
Seven-time world champion Schumacher finished ahead of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton (1:36.145), who was fastest in first practice, and Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel (1:36.160).
Both Hamilton and Vettel looked strong over the longer run pace, with the latter’s team-mate Mark Webber just behind in fourth.
Schumacher’s team-mate Nico Rosberg was fifth with his quickest option tyre after team principal Ross Brawn admitted the car’s breaking was not yet ideal.
McLaren’s Jenson Button rounded out the top six, while championship leader Fernando Alonso was back in 10th in 1:37.316.
Less than a second separated the top nine drivers, with Australian Daniel Ricciardo finishing 12th in his Toro Rosso with a time of 1:37.616.
