Rosberg tops 2nd Monaco practice

(GMM) Sebastian Vettel was smoking in the morning, but in the final 90 minutes of Thursday practice, it was Robert Kubica's V8 engine that gave up the ghost.

The spectacular failure, involving plumes of white smoke and fire, left the Pole unable to set a single flying lap in his BMW-Sauber, while his teammate Nick Heidfeld ran to a woeful 17th quickest.

There was better fortune for Nico Rosberg, whose Williams so often tops the practice timesheets, followed by the promising form of Lewis Hamilton, who was within the top three all day in the Monte Carlo sunshine.

Rubens Barrichello, meanwhile, has so far been consistently quicker than his teammate and championship leader Jenson Button in the Principality, while Ferrari's Felipe Massa also looks to be near the ultimate pace.

It is reported that Button spent time in the garage following a light brush with an Armco barrier.

Massa found himself involved in a curious incident that reminded observers of the 2005 Casino Square pileup triggered by a loss of temper by Juan Pablo Montoya.

The Brazilian, Massa, took time out to wave his fists at Giancarlo Fisichella, after first Massa held up his Roman rival, and then the equally angry occupant of the Force India had a turn thwarting the Ferrari.

Toyota were running a new front wing in the afternoon session, but the highlight of the Cologne based team's Thursday was a 14th quickest lap time for Jarno Trulli.

Practice 2 Results