It’s funny how, at this point in the season, certain drivers suddenly find themselves with an impetus to perform just that little bit better.

Toni Elias is the man I always think of as suspiciously good when he’s looking for a new contract. And, a quick look at his race results sort of backs it up: only one of his six MotoGP podiums has been in the first half of a season. It looks like he might not have been so lucky this year, and could be on his way to the new Moto2 category.

There are several Formula 1 drivers who want to be displaying a bit of form right about now, and on the weak evidence of today’s first practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix, they might be.

It was the Red Bull Racing, Brawn GP, McLaren and Williams drivers making up the top eight, but not in the usual order.

We’re used to see Rubens Barrichello ahead of Jenson Button now, alas, and it’s not rare for Mark Webber to beat Sebastian Vettel. But Heikki Kovalainen in front of Lewis Hamilton? Not that rare, admittedly, but still: it’s almost like he has something to prove. There’s plenty of chatter about Kovalainen though, and chances are we’ll see him on the grid next year.

Most significant – but still not very significant, admittedly – is Kazuki Nakajima finishing a full two places ahead of Nico Rosberg, the undisputed King of Practice. With Williams ending their Toyota engine deal, they have no reason to keep Nakajima, so he’s definitely looking for something for 2010. And unless I’ve missed something, there’s not much in the way of interested whispers from other teams.

At least he’s doing all he can. Romain Grosjean is about equally likely to be retained by Renault from the sound of things, but he’s not beating his team mate. Or anyone: he finished today’s first session last. Poor little guy.