Formula 1: Barrichello is quickest in German GP practice

Michael Schumacher was fourth fastest in the opening practice session for the German Grand Prix.

Roared on by thousands of Ferrari fans at Hockenheim, Schumacher clocked a time of one minute 42.826 seconds.

Team-mate Rubens Barrichello posted the quickest time of 1:41.953.

Surprisingly, the Jaguar of Pedro de la Rosa was second in a time of 1:42.302, although the team are understood to have made considerable improvements to the car since the British Grand Prix 12 days ago.

Coulthard was third in his McLaren, almost 0.7secs adrift of Barrichello, with Ralf Schumacher fifth in his Williams, a full second down on the Ferrari.

Mika Hakkinen completed the top six with a time of 1:42.994, with Juan Pablo Montoya and Eddie Irvine - in the other Williams and Jaguar - in seventh and eighth places.

Jenson Button was again languishing at the back of the field, with the Benetton in 19th in 1:45.978, a dismal 10 places and two seconds behind team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella.

With all eyes on Jordan, following the controversial sacking of Heinz-Harald Frentzen on Wednesday, replacement Ricardo Zonta was 11th in 1:44.333, immediately behind team-mate Jarno Trulli.