Albers Satisfied with First Qualifying Effort

Dutchman Christijan Albers was satisfied after completing his first ever Formula One qualifying session in Australia today.

Minardi, the sport's smallest and least successful team, worked through the night to modify last year's cars to the 2005 aerodynamic regulations after they were unable to run on Friday.

In the build-up to Sunday's race, team Principal Paul Stoddart had accused Champions Ferrari of blocking his attempts to bend the rules but it became clear on Friday that other teams, notably Jordan and Red Bull, were also against him.

The Minardis finally took to the track on Saturday morning, although their drivers had little time to get used to the 2005 aerodynamic package, not tested before. Rookie Albers finished his qualifying lap over 16 seconds off the provisional pole position time.

"I made a couple of small mistakes on my run this afternoon, but I think it was not too bad for my first F1 qualifying session, particularly as the track was so wet," said Albers. "Despite the fact we have no experience with the full 2005 aero package, I felt it was okay in the running we did today.

"We can certainly work with it."

Teammate Patrick Friesacher also struggled with his car and finished over 1.5 seconds behind Albers.

"This is my first time at a Formula One race, and I have never done anything like it before," said Friesacher. " It was quite difficult, and I know I have a lot to learn. It is the first time we have run the car in full 2005 specification, added to which, it was raining and this is a new track to me.

"I particularly want to thank the guys â€" they did an awesome job to modify the car to 2005 specification in the time available. As far as my performance today is concerned, it is always possible to do better, but generally speaking, I am satisfied with what has been accomplished so far."