The country had caught ‘F1 fever’ and under clear skies thousands of fans turned up to watch day one’s first practice session.

Anthony Davidson was first to ‘find his feet’ and set an astonishing pace in the new blue BAR.

The Briton came under constant attack but his time of 1:35.369 late in the hour-long session ensured he wouldn’t be beaten.

Ralf Schumacher (Williams) made an impressive return to racing as he ended the morning second fastest and less than a tenth off Davidson’s pace.

Juan Pablo Montoya rounded out a successful start for Williams when he recorded the third fastest time 1:35.761 in the final minutes.

Many had expected Michael Schumacher to blitz the field early in the weekend with past performance at new track in mind.

But the reigning world champion played little part in Friday morning’s proceedings.

In a rare sign of weakness the number one Ferrari developed technical troubles and ground to halt at the pit exit leaving Schumacher stranded.

His opening time of 1:37.300 was only good enough to secure 15th position.

Felipe Massa was more successful in his Ferrari-powered Sauber finishing the morning in fourth position with a time of 1:35.369.

Also impressive was Ryan Briscoe in the third Toyota TF104 who finished first fastest with a time of 1:36.394.