However Ricardo Zonta’s last-lap heroics stole the Spaniard's glory and delivered top spot to Toyota.

The Brazilian recorded an impressive time of 1:25.583 to head home his rival by over half a second.

McLarens also filled the third and fourth places with Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen both fielding strong performances.

The three-from-four finish was a positive start to the weekend for the British squad who look ominously strong ahead of Sunday.

BAR will be hoping to mount a challenge after Jenson Button went fifth fastest.

The Briton was competitive throughout the session and disappointed to lose two positions late in the day.

Sixth fastest the surprising Tonio Liuzzi of Red Bull Racing.

Renault rounded out the top eight with Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella cruising home some two seconds off the pace.

There were no major incidents to report from the weekend’s second run.

Despite the unfamiliar layout most drivers kept their cars on the tarmac.

Enrico Toccacelo made his official Formula One debut on Friday. The Italian was at the wheel of the third Minardi and 19 laps in the day’s final session to finish 25th fastest.

The fresh lick of paint on the Istanbul circuit didn't appear to cope with the pressures of Formula One race cars. By the end of the first session the kerbs were already worn.