Villeneuve: We Weren't Quick Enough

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve admitted after the Belgian Grand Prix his British American Racing team were simply not quick enough during the race, where the 1997 World Champion finished outside the points.

Having qualified in a promising sixth place on Saturday, his best performance of the season so far, Villeneuve was not happy with his car's handling during the race and had to settle for a disappointing eighth position.

The Canadian admitted BAR will have to work hard to finish fourth in the Constructors' standings.

"Today wasn't such a good day after our qualifying performance yesterday," said the Canadian driver. "We weren't quick enough in the race and the car was quite difficult to drive.

"It's disappointing but to be able to challenge here at Spa you need to have a very quick car and today we did the best job we could with our current pace. Now we have to work hard for Monza and the rest of the season if we are to finish in the points and get to 4th in the Constructors' Championship."

Teammate Olivier Panis, who was today celebrating his 35th birthday, also endured a tough race which was made worse by a stop-and-go penalty for crossing the white line diving the pitlane from the track. The Frenchman finished in eleventh position.

"It was a very difficult race for me today," Panis admitted. "We decided on two pit stops after the re-start and I think this was the best strategy. On my second pit-stop we had a problem with the fuel nozzle and had to change to Jacques' rig.

"I haven't had much luck all weekend but we have to stay positive now and keep our concentration. There is a lot of work to be done in the test next week to prepare for Monza and help us improve the car."