Michelin runners look strong

World championship leader Fernando Alonso (Renault) was fastest of the Michelin drivers on the opening day of the San Marino Grand Prix meeting at Imola. The Spaniard, who scored two wins and one second place in the season's opening three races, set fastest time - 1m 25.043s - in this afternoon's second free practice session.

Six Michelin drivers from four partner teams featured in the top 10 overall: BMW Sauber reserve Robert Kubica was fourth, ahead of Anthony Davidson (Honda, fifth), Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault, seventh), Juan Pablo Montoya (McLaren, ninth) and Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber, 10th).

Nick Shorrock, Michelin Formula One director "We have a solid base for the week-end"

"This weekend has been a pleasant surprise because the forecasts told us to expect cool, showery conditions. The warm weather hasn't had an adverse effect on Michelin's performance, but it does mean our partners might end up racing a compound they hadn't expected to choose."

"The track has evolved considerably during the day, but we were able to do some good comparative work this afternoon. That gives us a solid base for the rest of the weekend and we have plenty of data to analyse this evening."

"Michelin scored a narrow victory in last year's corresponding fixture, with Fernando Alonso and Renault, and all the evidence suggests this is going to be another very
competitive weekend. I'm delighted to say, though, that the five different products we are using this weekend are working very well."