Baumgartner Hopes to Close Gap to Jordans

Hungarian Zsolt Baumgartner is hoping to get closer to the Jordans in Saturday's qualifying for his home Grand Prix after a disappointing practice session for the Minardi team.

Baumgartner, who made his Grand Prix debut in Hungary last year, finished in 24th position, over two seconds behind the closest of his rivals after he had technical problems in the first session.

"I'm satisfied even if we still have to find the perfect chassis set-up for tomorrow," said Baumgartner. "I hope to be able to get close to the Jordans, as to reduce the gap to them is something I really like. If we are able to get ahead of them here in Hungary, that would be fantastic.

"I was really excited to be able to drive in front of so many Hungarian fans here today, all supporting me at my home race. I hope to be able to do a really good job for them over the next few days."

Italian Gianmaria Bruni also had a troubled day after spinning into the gravel only six minutes into second practice. He finished at the bottom of the times.

"It was okay at the beginning, but then we changed the car for the second session compared with how we started the morning," said Bruni.

"Unfortunately, I made a mistake at turn 11 on my first run of the afternoon and the car became stuck in the gravel, so that was the day finished. It's really a pity, but we will aim to improve tomorrow."