Massa blasts the field in free practise in Hungary; Alonso penalised (Roundup)

By Volker Gundrum Aug 4, 2006, 23:30 GMT

Budapest - Ferrari's Felipe Massa blasted through the field in Friday's second free practise session for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix when he posted a time that was more than one second faster than the time of the second fastest driver.

Massa needed one minute 21.778 seconds for the 4.381 kilometre- long lap on the Hungaroring, while championship leader Fernando Alonso went around in 1:23.097.

The Spaniard however will have two seconds added to his qualifying time on Saturday after being penalised by race stewards. Alonso thought he had been impeded by Red Bull test driver Robert Doornbos during the session and then shook his fist at the Dutchman after overtaking him.

He then abruptly braked in front of Doornbos. He received a one second penalty for that offence, as well as another one second penalty for overtaking Doornbos even though stewards were waving a yellow flag.

The two second penalty will - in all likelihood - see Alonso start the Grand Prix from near the back of the grid.

Alonso's Renault team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella had the third- fastest time ahead of test drivers Doornbos and Anthony Davidson.

In-form seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who posted the third-fastest time behind McLaren-Mercedes' Kimi Raikkonen and Davidson in the first session, was eighth fastest in the afternoon session.

Even though the Ferrari driver, who has won the last three races, has closed the gap on Alonso to 11 points, the Spaniard is still confident that he will be able to successfully defend his title.

As the teams are not allowed to test their cars in the three week break after the Hungarian Grand Prix, Alonso expects Schumacher to have the advantage in the two races after Sunday.

'It will be tight because the next three races will be very difficult for us. But I am optimistic ahead of the last three races of the season as we will have enough time to react.

'I will put my money on myself to win the championship,' he said.

Schumacher said he is hoping for a strong showing in Hungary. 'I am hoping that I will manage a place near the front in the qualifying.'

The German is hoping to add an eighth title this season. 'The championship is very realistic again. Three races ago that was not the case.'

He added that he had no problems being behind in the championship race. 'I very much enjoy chasing the pack.'

He said that his decision whether he would continue racing next year or not had nothing to do with winning the title. 'It is not really important for me how the championship ends. There are many other factors that will influence my decision.'

Schumacher has said that he will announce his decision at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. 'There is still some time for me to think about everything.'

Sunday's race is the 13th of 18 season races.