Frentzen Glad to be Back in Action

German Heinz-Harald Frentzen was happy to be back behind the wheel of a Sauber for today's free practice session for the United States Grand Prix.

The 35-year old, who had already driven for the Swiss squad back in 1994 when he made his Formula One debut, is standing in for penalised Brazilian driver Felipe Massa this weekend but the young rookie is expected to return in Japan.

Frentzen got off to a very promising start today, posting the sixth quickest time of the session despite revealing he is driving too close to the steering wheel. Frentzen is considerably taller than Massa or teammate Nick Heidfeld, and his position inside the cockpit is far from optimal.

"It feels good to be back at Sauber and I enjoyed today," said the German. "I'm still around 15 cm too tall for this car, but there's no real discomfort for me. I just have the steering wheel closer than I'd really like. I feel like I am driving the way my grandmother used to.

"But I can drive the car okay and it felt reasonably balanced. There's potential to improve, of course, but I'm happy with sixth place on my first proper day back with the team."

Compatriot Heidfeld completed a good day for Sauber after setting the ninth quickest time. The German is confident his car will allow him to qualifying in the top ten tomorrow.

"The car felt a lot better today than it did in the previous two races," said Heidfeld. "I think we made definite progress in our recent test at Silverstone. To begin with the rear end was generally nervous but we made some changes that helped.

"Of course we need to wait until tomorrow to see where we really are, but I'm hopeful that we can qualify back in the top 10, which is where we've been most of the season."