Schumacher is fastest

Michael Schumacher claimed a psychological edge over world championship rival Fernando Alonso by setting the fastest time in final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona this morning.

Ferrari driver Schumacher has won the last two races after epic battles with Alonso and took top spot again today to give him a boost before qualifying.

Schumacher’s lap of one minute 15.658 seconds was significantly faster than yesterday’s best, despite morning drizzle in Barcelona.

The German, who trails Alonso by 13 points in the championship, left his best effort until the dying minutes of the session – beating second-placed Giancarlo Fisichella by 0.049secs.

Fisichella’s Renault team-mate Alonso only just squeezed into the top 10 in eighth after completing fewer laps than Schumacher – and he will expect a major improvement in qualifying for his home race.

Nick Heidfeld enjoyed unexpected prominence in taking third place for BMW-Sauber, one ahead of Red Bull’s Christian Klien.

Heidfeld’s team-mate Jacques Villeneuve was unable to get the best out of his car, however, after spinning into the gravel late in the session, ending up 17th.

The other Red Bull, of David Coulthard, also showed well this morning – and the Scot was fifth-quickest as he prepares for his 200th grand prix. Rubens Barrichello completed the top six, out-performing Honda team-mate Jenson Button who had to make do with 11th.