JV hits engine trouble in qualifying

The team must wait until the Canadian's car is released from parc ferme for checks before it can determine what the problem is. While Villeneuve pointed towards an engine problem, team boss David Richard suggested that the exhaust could be at fault.

But even when BAR has determined the exact problem it might not be able to fix it, because the new regulations limit what work teams can and cannot do to the cars before the race.

"I'm disappointed to be starting the race from 13th position," said Villeneuve. "The most annoying thing is that as soon as I accelerated out of turn one, the engine noise changed rapidly. I lost a lot of power and that stayed for the whole lap so it's very frustrating. Our speeds were down as well so I hope we can identify the problem and deal with it for the race because, if not, it will be a big problem."

Villeneuve's team-mate Jenson Button qualified in 11th position, but thought he could have gone faster. He reckoned that running first in the session, as a result of a spin in first qualifying yesterday, cost him time. "It's so difficult to go out first because you've got to get rid of the hot air out on the circuit. The race set-up isn't too bad and I think we have gone in the right direction in terms of the strategy, but I think we can make a few adjustments that will help us tomorrow."