Schumacher sets pace in Belgium on anniversary

Aug 26, 2011, 9:59 GMT

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Formula One debut by posting the fastest lap in a rain-affected first practice session Friday for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

Schumacher edged Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg, with McLaren's Jenson Button third in a session disrupted by a heavy shower.

Schumacher and Rosberg were the only drivers to record a time before the shower which left rivals forced to change to intermediate tyres.

Current world champion and championship leader Sebastian Vettel was fourth fastest, followed by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Adrian Sutil in a Force India.

Next up was Felipe Massa in a Ferrari, with Rubens Barrichello in a Williams, Jaime Alguersuari in a Toro Rosso and Kamui Kobayashi in a Sauber completing the leading 10.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was 11th and Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber 15th.

Schumacher, 42, clocked 1 minute 54.355 seconds and Rosberg 1:54.829, both well ahead of the field who were on intermediate tyres on a wet but drying track.

Button, as quickest of the rest, posted 2:02.740, just over a second faster than Vettel.

Heavy rain was forecast for the afternoon's second practice but dry weather is expected for Saturday's qualifying and the race itself.

Vettel, on 234 points, has a commanding lead in the championship, ahead of Webber (149), Hamilton (146), Alonso (145) and Button (134).

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