Arrows Drivers Encouraged by Practice Pace

The Arrows team were encouraged after a strong start to their Austrian Grand Prix, with Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi posting the sixth quickest time in Friday's practice at the A1-Ring track.

"I'm pleased with our results," said Bernoldi after the session. "Everything went okay for me apart from a puncture towards the end of the first session. I sat out the last few minutes so we could save the tyres. The car certainly feels well balanced here so I'm happy about that."

23-year old Bernoldi, who is yet to score his first Formula One point, outpaced teammate Heinz-Harald Frentzen in the second Cosworth-powered A23 chassis.

The veteran driver, who scored the Leafield-based squad's first point of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago, wound up 13th quickest after going off the track during the afternoon session.

Despite that, Frentzen was encouraged and feeling optimistic ahead of tomorrow's qualifying.

"It was basically a good day today," said the German. "I had an 'off' at the last corner during the second session which unfortunately broke the floor. The team did a good job replacing it and I was able to get out again before the end of practice but didn't have quite enough time for a flying lap.

"I'm feeling optimistic. We've still got a bit of work to do but I'm hopeful we'll have a good weekend."