Schumacher delights Italian supporters

DOUBLE world champion Michael Schumacher picked up - where he left off at the Belgian Grand Prix 12 days ago by dominating yesterday's opening practice session for tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix.

With a typically flamboyant performance for Ferrari in front of packed stands filled with flag waving Italians, the German gave a dear indication of his desire to gain his first victory on Italian soil in the 53 lap race.

His effort also proved he was capable of upsetting the showdown bin the drivers' championship between leader Damon Hill of Britain and Hill's Williams team mate Jacques Villeneuve of Canada.

Hill, dropped for 1997 by Williams since the last Grand Prix outing at Belgium in favour of German Heinz Harald Frentzen, leads the title race by 13 points and needs a victory, with Villeneuve outside the top three, to claim his first drivers crown.

But yesterday Hill could only manage the seventh fastest time, two places down on Villeneuve and more than 1.3 seconds slower than Schumacher, who delighted Ferrari fans at the fast Monza track through the old parkland circuit north of Milan.

However, the British driver remained confident despite his time. "I'm very pleased today. I've worked on a set up and I'm very, very confident. I have absolute confidence in the team's ability to give me as much chance as I need to win the championship.

"It is going to be a very close session tomorrow and one of the best we are going to see all season," added Hill.

Eddie Irvine, was an excellent fourth fastest with the two Jordans in 11th and 13th and looking forward to some input from designer Gary Anderson who will be present today.

"The atmosphere here is fantastic," said Irvine, who is living the dream of every Italian boy in driving for Scuderia Ferrari at Monza, Irvine's end of day position augers well for the race and Ferrari often seem capable of raising their," game for the home event and certainly Irvine will need that on the reliability stakes.

Schumacher was given a rousing reception for his efforts by the Ferrari fans.

"Things went quite well. . . better than I " he said. "The car is fine although there are still a few small problems which I am sure we can solve before tomorrow's qualifying session.

"It is difficult to know if things will be the same or if the opposition will be more competitive tomorrow. But the work carried out here at Monza in the last few weeks has allowed us to get on the right track straight away.

Ferrari's sporting director Jean Todt was equally happy. "This was a good day for us," he said. "Our cars performed strongly, Michael set the quickest time on old tyres and Eddie is fourth despite running into traffic.

"Above all, Schumacher found the car to be well balanced and I think we can look forward to a good qualifying session."

Meanwhile, Eddie Jordan has asked Gay Anderson to oversee his first official practice in two months. The team's focus is now on preparing for next year. Driver talks continue, with Hill linked with Jordan and Barrichello is in discussions with Arrows where he may be reunited with John Walton.

Jordan confirmed he is also talking to Ralf Schumacher and the German's manager is of the opinion that the 21 year old needs a gentler introduction to Formula One than McClaren would allow.

. Indy car points leader Jimmy Vasser attempts to win the championship at tomorrow's season ending race in California, with fellow Americans Michael Andretti and Al Unser Jnr in hot pursuit of fifth place, or better finish by Vasser will clinch the million crown.