Michael Schumacher recorded the quickest time in Friday's free practice for this weekend's German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen completed a rewarding day for the home contingent as he registered the second fastest time in his Jordan. Schumacher has failed to finish in three of the last four races and his once commanding lead at the head of the championship standings has been reduced from 22 points to six. Friday's performance in the Ferrari comes as a timely boost following the team's recent setbacks. Schumacher clocked his time of one minute, 43.535 seconds during the one hour morning session around Hockenheim. A heavy afternoon shower reduced the chances of anyone recording a quicker lap. But Frentzen did go close, setting the fastest time of the afternoon session - one minute 43.575 - to leave him second quickest overall. World champion Mika Hakkinen was third fastest in his McLaren ahead of Rubens Barichello in the second Ferrari.