Cautious Start for Villeneuve

Jacques Villeneuve says his main concern is to get used to the requirements of qualifying ahead of his return to Grand Prix racing in China this weekend.

Canadian Villeneuve, making his Formula One comeback with Renault after a year's absence, made a cautious start to his return and was 15th fastest in the second practice session after a late off-track excursion.

"Everything was going pretty well by the end of the day and I was setting consistent times, but I still need to work out how to get the best out of a new set of tyres for a single flying lap," said Villeneuve at the end of the day.

"That is one of the areas I need to concentrate on before qualifying tomorrow," added the Canadian, who like most drivers was impressed with the facilities.

"I think that the circuit itself is gorgeous. It includes a bit of everything, with quick corners and slow corners, and it is challenging for the drivers. It is not easy, but you can find a good rhythm, it really flows well."

The 1997 World Champion finished behind his teammate Fernando Alonso, who finished as 13th quickest after a difficult day.

"It was a tricky day today," said Alonso. "I was still trying different lines at the end of the session and I can still find time all the way around the lap.

"The tyre choice will be quite hard as well, because the circuit was changing all the time and it was difficult to get a clear idea of which type was the best, but we did a lot of laps and collected plenty of data, which should allow us to make the right choice this evening.

"I expect tomorrow to be a more normal day."