BAR Drivers Expecting to Struggle

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve is expecting to struggle at this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix after setting the 15th quickest time in Friday's practice session.

"The car was very difficult to drive today," said Villeneuve. "The less grip there is the more you can see your problems. We're not getting enough downforce and we're having a very difficult time bringing temperature into the tyres.

"I think we're going to struggle to make the car competitive this weekend."

The Honda-powered BAR squad have struggled for pace so far this year, and neither Villeneuve nor teammate Olivier Panis have been able to finish in the points in the first three races of the year.

Things did not improve for them today, with Panis also failing to shine, the veteran driver complaining about the lack of progress since the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"It wasn't an easy session that's for sure," admitted the Frenchman, who was 17th quickest. "I'm disappointed to see that some of the problems we had in Brazil are still in evidence here today.

"The team have to take a good look at the problems we experienced in practice and really focus on finding a solution. Otherwise, we aren't going to progress."