By Parminio
April 23 2004

It was the BAR show today at second practice, but McLaren did much better than expected. Given the nature of the circuit, McLaren were expected to struggle at Imola. BAR took the top two spots today ahead of the Ferrari of Michael Schumacher in an impressive show at Imola. It wasn't a bad showing by the black and silver McLaren of Kimi Raikkonen taking fourth.

Important to note of course, is that Schumacher ran a lap nearly a second quicker in the morning session, so one wonders about the fuel loads used in the second session. BAR however were scorching the track the whole time.

David Coulthard, although only two-tenths off the pace of Raikkonen, finished down in 9th position. Take away the BAR of Davidson though, and he's 8th. A good showing by McLaren considering the cars recent struggles.

If McLaren can come away from qualifying tomorrow with similar results, and go the distance, the team may be able to secure some desperately needed points and climb their way out of the cellar of the constructors race.