F1: Zonta Posts Second Fastest Practice Time in Japan

Topics:  Japanese Grand Prix

VOA Sports
October 7, 2005

Brazilian test driver Ricardo Zonta of Brazil has posted the fastest time in the second practice session for Sunday's running of the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.

Zonta covered the 5.8 kilometer track in a Toyota in one minute, 30.682 seconds or a speed of 230.533 kilometers per hour.

Seven-time driving champion Michael Schumacher of Germany was second fastest with McLaren-Mercedes test driver Pedro de la Rosa of Spain third.

Kimi Raikkonen of Finland had engine trouble, blowing the motor on his McLaren just eight laps into the first practice session. Mechanics had to change the engine, which will cost Raikkonen 10 spots in the starting grid. However, the Finnish driver will end the season second in the overall standings, regardless of what happens in the last two races.

Fernando Alonso of Spain has won the driving title, but his Renault team is in a race with McLaren for the constructor's title. McLaren leads the standings, which determine how much money each team receives from the sport's world governing body.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.