Wilson: Faster than Schumacher!

That gives a slightly skewed picture when you take into account that the first seven cars were, like Wilson, all on Michelin rubber, but a qualifying time just 0.34s slower than team-mate Mark Webber was a fine effort.

Wilson, who had the benefit of Jaguar's Friday free testing, had actually done a race distance before lunch at Hockenheim - enough mileage to guarantee that if his 6ft3ins frame was going to have a problem fitting into the R4, he would know all about it...

"It was fine actually," said Wilson, "the usual twinge or two, but nothing serious."

The Minardi graduate was delighted with his qualifying effort as a Jaguar driver.

"I was very happy," he said. "The time was a big step forward from the morning session and I think the conditions improved through the session as well. I have to say that for the first time in a Jag I'm surprised to have two Ferraris behind. It would be nice to be in this position tomorrow but I don't expect it!

"My aim for first qualifying was to be within a second of Mark [Webber]. When I saw his lap time [Webber was fourth] it was great for the team but it put me under pressure. I was thinking about that in the car before I went out to do my lap. I knew the lap had hooked up well, but still I was pleasantly surprised when I crossed the line. I'm on a steep learning curve and I intend to keep on climbing it."