Davidson cautious on qualifying chances

The Briton ended free practice in 11th place, two places ahead of teammate Takuma Sato - and most interestingly ahead of both Honda Racing cars and both Toyotas.

But despite loving the moment as he embarks on his first full season in F1, Davidson insists that things will get more difficult for his team this afternoon.

"We are all pretty surprised, that was a really good day," said Davidson. "But it might have been a little bit better than we really are.

"It was better than we were expecting and it might not be that good come qualifying, but we are still very happy.

"We all felt good about the day, there were no real problems, everything was under control and we are looking forward to keeping this progress for qualifying.

"Hopefully it will stay there but I am pretty sure other teams will start to catch up and just get on top of their game more. I am expecting that. I am taking it with a pinch of salt but we will enjoy it while it lasts."

Davidson said the team had come into the Melbourne weekend expecting to be fighting with Spyker at the back of the grid - so had been fairly shocked to be so far off. He said it was 'funny' that Honda's B-team had outpaced the factory effort.

"We came here expecting to fight but be close to the Spykers, at the back of the grid. I am still taking our pace with a pinch of salt but all I care about is being comfortable in the car and understanding when new tyres go on what happens to the balance."

Davidson also enters pretty much unchartered territory from today - with his previous job of test driver having often seen him heading home on Saturdays.

"I feel like my job is done and I am looking forward to going home now," he joked. "I will pack my bags tonight like normal!

"It feels really strange now, I have got drivers' briefing and I have to listen and take care of what they are saying. Tonight onwards is going to be a completely different feeling for me."