Webber Hindered by Gearbox Problem

"Not an ideal day for me, but these things can happen," said Webber. "We had a gear shifting problem, which cost us the running in the second, most important session. Anyway, at least it looks like Nick collected some good information, which was the main objective, so now we can do our homework and be ready for tomorrow."

The Williams driver, who equalled his best Formula One result with a fifth place at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, completed just eight laps in the opening session and failed to set a time in the second.

Webber's teammate Nick Heidfeld, who has a new BMW engine in his Williams after retiring in Australia following his collision with World Champion Michael Schumacher, finished as 15th fastest.

Heidfeld, however, said Williams were a lot quicker than that.

"It was a problem free Friday session for me and I managed to do everything we had planned," Heidfeld said. "Several yellow flags and some traffic hampered the second session, but it was the same for everyone, after all. Looking at the final times of today, I am sure we are a lot quicker than it shows."