18.06.2004 'I quite like driving the oval section here, as it is something a bit different and the infield section was still a bit green today', Ferrari free practice report from Indianapolis

Just five days after the Canadian Grand Prix, the world of F1 is preparing for Round 9 of the world championship here at the most famous permanent race track in the world.

The sheer scale of the Motor Speedway is impressive, especially coming just a few days after the cramped confines of the Montreal track.

Unlike the majority of circuit paddocks, the Indy facility is made up of several levels, with a double width pit lane, large garages and two rows of offices behind the pits.

As usual, a very large crowd is expected here which is not surprising as ticket prices are much lower than at other races. Today, fans have to pay just 10 dollars to get in and tomorrow only 20. In the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro garage work is proceeding as usual, with Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello running the same cars as in Canada.

Although this is the fifth time the grand prix cars have run at this track, there is an unknown element about the morning’s free practice: it is the first time the race is held in June, rather than September and the temperature and humidity levels are far higher than usual, almost approaching Malaysian figures. The team will be monitoring the effect of the heat on tyres and cooling in general.

Jean Todt: 'The United States Grand Prix is the second consecutive race of this long North American trip. In today's free practice the cars went quite well, as did the tyres Bridgestone put at our disposal. Therefore, we should be in a good position for both qualifying and the race. Also important will be the support from Shell on a track which is very hard on engines, as they have supplied us with a new oil. It is always a pleasure to return to this prestigious venue which is part of racing history and to a country that is Ferrari's biggest market.'

Rubens Barrichello: 'It was a very productive day and I am very happy with the car's performance. We did a lot of work on assessing the tyres and they are working well on their first lap, allowing me to set my best time immediately. Being quickest on Friday is of absolutely no importance: it is a question of finding the right balance on the car and being comfortable with its handling.

'I quite like driving the oval section here, as it is something a bit different and the infield section was still a bit green today. Tomorrow will be a busy day as we try and find the best set up for the race. This has been a near perfect start to the weekend.'

Michael Schumacher: 'This was not an especially good Friday for me. For whatever reason, I could not get the car to work the way I would have liked when trying to push hard on just one opening lap. Therefore I am not particularly pleased with the result, but we are on the pace and we will still be able to fight both for pole position and the race win. When I spun, it was just my mistake. It seems the track, which is very wide here, was not actually wide enough at that moment!'

Ross Brawn: 'Pretty good sessions, no problems with the cars. We did plenty of work assessing the tyres and it seems that they are looking good on the first lap which is encouraging for qualifying. We still have some work to do on the balance of the car. Rubens was very good and quick today which is a good sign for tomorrow. Michael was fighting the car a bit on his first lap and so seems to be a bit behind his team-mate at the moment, so now we will try and understand why.'

Free practice - First session, Rubens Barrichello: 1st 1.11.354 16 laps chassis 236, Michael Schumacher: 2nd 1.11.619 16 laps chassis 239, Temperatures: air 27/29°C, track 37/41°C

Free practice - Second session, Rubens Barrichello: 1st 1.10.365 24 laps chassis 236, Michael Schumacher: 4th 1.11.036 28 laps chassis 239, Temperatures: air 28/30°C, track 38/42°C