Pizzonia cops Williams flak

Williams stand-in driver Antonio Pizzonia came in for some heavy criticism after qualifying down in 10th for his first grand prix with the Grove-based team at Hockenheim

Pizzonia impressed in pre-qualifying, which sets the running order for the main session, but he squandered his second place time by setting a dismal lap which was almost a second slower than his team-mate, Juan Pablo Montoya. The Colombian will start second.

"We're disappointed with Antonio's performance," said Williams technical director Sam Michael. "He obviously didn't do a good job in the main qualifying session, which is when it matters. He was quick enough in the first session though, and put himself right up there. He's created a very difficult job for himself on Sunday, so he's going to have to keep his head down and get some points, because that's what we need from him."

Pizzonia admitted his disappointment at qualifying so far back, but pleaded mitigating circumstances.

"It's disappointing really," he said. "The first qualifying looked strong but then we made some changes to the car. That's motor racing. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you get it wrong."