Michael Schumacher swept to the top of the time-sheets during a rain-lashed opening practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo today.
The German powered his Ferrari through the spray to finish just over 0.1 seconds ahead of McLaren's David Coulthard.
Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso both found the conditions tough.
The hour long session was barely seconds old when Raikkonen, who scored his maiden victory in Kuala Lumpur, was sent skidding on the slippery track after the heavens had opened.
The Finn managed to keep his McLaren going and drove back to the pits but finished the session without posting a time.
Alonso, who became the youngest driver in history to take pole in Malaysia, hit a metal barrier after losing control of his Renault.
Jenson Button posted the third fastest time for BAR with Jarno Trulli fourth for Renault. Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya was fifth in the Williams-BMW.
Local hero Rubens Barrichello was sixth in the other Ferrari.
Ralph Firman was stuck in the Jordan garage for much of the session after encountering a technical problem during private testing but finally got out with just minutes left.
PA