Welcome to F1Minute for the 14th March.

The 2008 season has officially begun! Kimi Raikkonen led the way in Free Practice 1, with Hamilton taking the honours during the second session. It’s worth pointing out that Mark Webber led for almost all of Free Practice 2, before Hamilton put in a flying lap with only a few minutes to spare. There was one red flag during the first session caused by Piquet, and Trulli spun off into the gravel during the second.

Mike Coughlan has had his contract with McLaren officially terminated, although details are still scarce due to legal reasons. It is thought that the FIA will make an announcement similar to that for Nigel Stepney, advising teams not to work with Coughlan for a period of time.

Pedro de la Rosa has been elected President of the Grand Prix Driver’s Association, replacing ex-Toyota driver Ralf Schumacher. De la Rosa said his main aim in the top job is to recruit younger drivers to the association.

And finally, a quick F1Minute update. During race weekends, we’ll be going seven days a week, to cover all the news from Qualifying and the Race. Tune in tomorrow for the first ever Saturday edition of F1Minute.