Davidson thinks BAR pole is on

Although Michael Schumacher set the quickest overall lap on the opening day of free practice in Barcelona in the first session, the BARs of Jenson Button and Davidson finished first and second in the afternoon practice.

"The car feels good," Davidson said, "but there is more to come from everyone because the circuit conditions were not good today. There was quite a bit of wind and the surface was dusty. I do think we can get the pole. I'd hesitate to say that it's expected, but it's funny how the expectations go up in the team after it's been done once.

"The Ferraris obviously look very quick again but on one lap pace, I think we can do it. And I think both drivers can be up there."

Button was offering no guarantees, but said: "It is looking like a positive weekend for us again because the balance was good, but the grip levels were low today."

Takuma Sato was also looking strong, running second quickest in the early part of the second session until he was halted by a clutch problem. The Japanese driver therefore managed just four timed laps all day but provided he gets laps in on Saturday morning, should not find it such a relative handicap on a circuit where the team has tested so much.