Finally we reach a race where Free Practice is on at a sensible time. I say "on", by which I mean "live timing is available on the Internet". As opposed to "on the TV", where it should be.

Some interesting things to note so far. Firstly the track is dusty, really dusty. Almost every driver bar Kimi went off the track at some point during the 90 minutes. That included Alonso..three times! This is the second race in a row that he's been off the track during free practice, I'm not sure he did that the whole of last year. I'm thinking McLaren need to do a little more work on their car to get it to Fernando's liking.

Secondly, the Ferrari's are looking mighty at the moment. Kimi is almost a whole second clear of 3rd place Hamilton. Even a ragged (and under pressure) Massa managed 2nd place with a lap in the mid 1:33's.

Last point. How did a Toro Rosso make it to P8? Liuzzi is ahead of both Williams, and I had high hopes from them at this track.

Free Practice 2 starts at mid-day.