• European Grand Prix - FP2

Schumacher content with Mercedes pace

Michael Schumacher was seventh quickest in FP1 and fourth in FP2 © Press Association

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• Report:
• Vettel on top during close FP2 in Valencia
  

• Race:
• European Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Ross Brawn
• |
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes

Michael Schumacher described his Friday practice sessions as "reasonably good" after setting the fourth fastest time ahead of the European Grand Prix.

Having suffered a number of mechanical failures this season, Schumacher's bad luck appeared to be continuing as he was forced to pit with a clutch problem at the start of FP2. Fortunately it turned out to be a quick fix and he rejoined to set the fourth fastest time of the session, just 0.267s slower than quickest man Sebastian Vettel.

Schumacher admitted that rear tyre preservation would be key for success in the race, but was pleased with the programme completed by Mercedes.

"Our work today was reasonably good, with obviously a lot of data to be confirmed now in our technical briefings before qualifying," Schumacher said. "The second session initially started with an issue with the clutch but it turned out very ok. Of course we are aware that it will be a challenge for everybody, especially to keep the rear tyres alive but this is as expected. Let's see what we can do tomorrow."

Team principal Ross Brawn reaffirmed Schumacher's comments, saying both drivers were "reasonably happy" with the pace in the W03.

"A fairly standard Friday programme for us today," Brawn said. "We ran the medium tyres this morning to start our set up programme and get an initial understanding of the tyre management parameters, then used both compounds this afternoon over longer runs. The day ran smoothly and we completed our full programme. Michael and Nico are reasonably happy with the car's performance so far, so we will keep working hard and see what the weekend brings."

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