Michael Schumacher took no time to assert his authority at the Hungaroring today, setting the fastest time in first practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The world champion's first lap was faster than last year's pole position time - and that marker, which came 35 minutes into the session, stood until the chequered flag fell.
Schumacher is chasing a record 12th win of the season and immediately installed himself as favourite for Sunday's race with a lap of one minute 21.552 seconds, outpacing Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello by 0.386s ecs.
Jenson Button did little to suggest he has been able to blot out the controversy surrounding his planned move to Williams and ended the session 10th, 2.5secs adrift.
BAR tester Anthony Davidson fared better, however, and took third spot as he aims to prove to team chief David Richards he is the man to succeed Button.
David Coulthard was a solid fifth, just behind McLaren team-mate Kimi Raikkonen - while Juan Pablo Montoya rounded out the top six in his Williams, which boasts a revised front wing for this race.
PA