Schumacher fastest in free session
 

Michael Schumacher delighted home supporters by powering his Ferrari to fastest time in Friday's first practice session for the San Marino Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion, seeking his first victory this season, covered the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit at Imola in 1 minute, 24.751 seconds on the last of his four laps.

Three test drivers held the next three positions: Alexander Wurz in a Williams, BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica and Honda's Anthony Davidson.

Schumacher trails championship leader and reigning world champion Fernando Alonso of Spain by 17 points after three rounds, the early promise shown by Ferrari quickly wearing off.

Alonso and his Renault teammate Giancarlo Fisichella did not record times for the first session, preferring to wait unitl the afternoon.

Toyota's Jarno Trulli was the next race driver in 1:26.417 for fifth, with Schumacher's Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa seventh in 1:26.596.

Finn Kimi Raikkonen completed five laps in his McLaren-Mercedes and stood ninth in 1:26.938.

Alonso leads the drivers' standings with 28 points, 14 more than Fisichella and Raikkonen, who share second place. Schumacher and Honda's Jenson Button are next with 11 points each.

Ferrari is introducing a series of technical changes to its aerodynamics and engine for this race.

Schumacher has a record six wins at Imola and the German will go for his 66th career pole in Saturday's qualifying, which would break the record he shares with Ayrton Senna.