Mixed Fortunes for Sauber Drivers

Massa had complained of oversteer during the morning's practice sessions and decided to make a host of changes to the set-up of his car - even though he would not get to try them out before qualifying.

That decision paid off as he managed to take seventh place on the grid, just behind his future teammate Michael Schumacher.

"That was a really good lap," said Massa. "The balance was good and I didn't make any mistakes. This morning the car was oversteering a bit, especially on old tyres, so we gambled a little and made some changes to the set-up, which worked really well for qualifying.

"It was definitely a step forward. Now I'm looking forward to the race. There's a high chance of rain tomorrow, but we are in good shape whatever happens."

Massa's delight at his performance was in contrast to Villeneuve's feelings about the afternoon, as he could manage no better than 14th position.

"All round the lap my rear brakes were locking and I had no rear-end grip, so I was fighting the car the whole way," said the former World Champion.

"It's disappointing because I've been quicker than Felipe so far this weekend and even though we didn't change a thing on the car after practice this morning the balance had gone away by the time I did my qualifying lap. I have no idea why."