BAR Drivers Cite Mistakes in Qualifying

Both British American Racing drivers remained dissatisfied despite making it into the top-ten grid placings for Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Jacques Villeneuve qualified seventh whilst Olivier Panis took 10th, but they blamed themselves rather than the BAR-Honda for the performance.

"Seventh isn't good enough, but there is still some time in the car and the set-up," said Villeneuve.

"I was possibly pushing a bit too hard and made too many mistakes to do the perfect lap, but seventh is still good for the race."

The Canadian was criticised by Jaguar's Eddie Irvine after the BAR driver blocked him during qualifying, but Villeneuve was quick to acknowledge his mistake.

"I would also like to apologise to Eddie (Irvine) as I slowed him down on his fast lap," he said.

Olivier Panis was beaten by his teammate Villeneuve, and although full of praise for his BAR machine he also blamed his own mistakes for a middle of the grid start.

"I am happy with the balance of the car and the team have done a good job on set up," said Panis.

"I made a small mistake on my last lap which cost me a couple of places on the grid and I would have been closer to Jacques."