GP Australia: Free practice 1 & 2

1. R. Kubica, Renault, 1:26.927 (22 laps)
2. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:27.126 (18 laps)
3. J. Button, McLaren, 1:27.482 (22 laps)
10. V. Liuzzi, Force India, 1:28.192 (18 laps)

1. L. Hamilton, McLaren, 1:25.801 (13 laps)
2. J. Button, McLaren, 1:26.076 (16 laps)
3. M. Webber, Red Bull, 1:26.248 (22 laps)
8. V. Liuzzi, Force India, 1:26.835 (17 laps)

Tonio’s preparations for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix got underway today with two 90 minute practice sessions. In the morning session Tonio worked through his scheduled programme of baseline runs and work with the harder tyre compounds, he completed 18 laps. In the second session he continued with the tyre evaluation and did some longer runs. The notoriously fickle Melbourne weather threw in occasional rain showers however the team gathered the information required for tomorrow’s running.

Tonio commented: “Today was OK and the car was responding pretty well to the changes we made over the sessions. I was quite happy with the balance. The conditions were not ideal as in the first session there were the two red flags in quite quick succession and then the weather didn’t help in the second practice. Unfortunately then there was always traffic as there were people slowing down and backing off to try and get some space so I didn’t get a free lap. It was like people were on a Sunday drive in some places. Overall though a good day to start the weekend on and I think we are looking good for tomorrow.”