Ferrari title contender Felipe Massa topped the times in t eh opening practice session here at the Interlagos circuit this morning, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton and his own Ferrari teammate, Kimi Raikkonen. Robert Kubica was fourth with Heikki Kovalainen fifth, Fernando Alonso sixth, Mark Webber seventh and Nelson Piquet rounding out the top eight.

The Interlagos circuit was hit by heavy rain on Thursday night, but this morning’s first ninety minute practice session started under dry conditions. Temperatures were cool as drivers took to the track for their installation laps with Nick Heidfeld becoming the first man to go back out here this morning, twelve minutes into the session. The German driver is soon joined by his BMW teammate but the two men return to pitlane and leave the track empty once again.

Twenty three minutes in and work finally gets underway with Nelson Piquet setting the first time lap in front of his home fans. Bourdais is also on track as well as Timo Glock and Sebastien Vettel. The Williams duo are also out but it takes more than thirty five minutes before the first of the big guns, Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen, appears and along with the Ferrari driver come drops of rain on the Brazilian track….

Hamilton Kovalainen and Massa are all out on track as well as the rain threatens with Fernando Alonso having a moment almost an hour in. Hamilton comes back on track almost an hour in for his second run of the morning and the McLaren is at the top of the standings. Massa is second with thirty minutes remaining and Kubica third.

Giancarlo Fisichella has a moment at the Senna S and the rain is now falling. Kimi Raikkonen spins the Ferrari at the same place but the Finn continues on despite the greasy conditions. Vettel also runs wide at turn four as the top runners make their way around the now slippery track.

Five minutes remain and drivers are out for their final laps. Massa is tops ahead of Hamilton Raikkonen and Kubica as the flag flies.