David Coulthard took the fight to world champion Michael Schumacher as he posted the fastest time in opening practice for Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix today.
Coulthard, who was fourth quickest in the first session, powered to the top of the time-sheets early in the second session and stayed there.
The McLaren driver finished just over one second ahead of Jordan's Jarno Trulli with championship pace-setter Schumacher in third spot. But Schumacher is expected to reassert his supremacy for Ferrari tomorrow when times are more meaningful.
Coulthard is equal second in the championship but trails Schumacher by 10 points. He is looking to stay in touch this weekend and is hoping for a more competitive car once the circuit returns to Europe.
Colombia's Juan Pablo Montoya was fourth fastest for Williams with two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen back in fifth spot in the other McLaren.
Sao Paulo-born Rubens Barrichello dropped to seventh, behind Ralf Schumacher in the other Williams, after his Ferrari stopped with a technical problem in the second session.
Eddie Irvine was 10th for Jaguar Racing. Jenson Button's return to the scene where he became the youngest driver in history to score a championship point is not proving a happy one.
The 21-year-old, sixth for Williams in only his second race last year, was last in his Benetton. He was over 4.3 seconds off Coulthard's pace.
PA Sport