Ferrari happy after first day on demanding Fuji track

The day started off well for the Scuderia Ferrari drivers at Fuji Speedway. Kimi Raikkonen was on top during the first free practice session, but had a more complicated afternoon on the demanding track. Team mate Massa is positive after the first day and believes he can be competitive during Sunday's race.

Kimi Raikkonen: "A good morning followed by a slightly more complicated afternoon. It is quite difficult to find the best set-up on this track, especially for the final sector. This is a demanding track but at the same time it's enjoyable to drive. The car was well balanced; in the second session we tried a change to the set-up which did not produce the expected results and so we went back to the previous one. We have to study the data to find the best settings. Obviously, it is very early to say where we are compared to our main rivals. But in any case, I think it will be a very close fight."

Felipe Massa: "On this interesting track, it is not easy to find the right balance between the slower section and long main straight. This morning we were quick and the afternoon, our work was aimed more at the race. We improved the set-up during the day but there is still much to do. However, the first impressions are positive and I think we can be competitive."

Luca Baldisserri: "It is always interesting to tackle a new track and compare the simulations carried out back in the factory to the reality at the track. Overall, we can say that our predictions proved to be accurate. The three hours of practice followed what we have got used to seeing on Friday in the last few Grands Prix. We are struggling a bit to do a quick first lap on new tyres, while our consistency of performance over a distance is good."

Free practice - First session
K. Raikkonen: 1st 1.19.119 26 laps chassis 262
F. Massa: 2nd 1.19.498 27 laps chassis 263

Free Practice - Second session
F. Massa: 3rd 1.19.483 36 laps chassis 263
K. Raikkonen: 5th 1.19.714 29 laps chassis 262