Prost drivers experience highs and lows

"The whole team should be satisfied with the work we have done today," said team boss Alain Prost, speaking of Alesi's promising showing.

"Clearly the lack of testing miles was the source of our difficulties but we have been able to identify the problems which have worried us up to now."

"The potential is clearly there and this gives is a boost to do out upmost all weekend.

Alesi's car had appeared to be handling badly, but Alesi gradually worked out the problems and proceeded to set some very fast times. It was, for Alesi at least, a vast improvement over the Australian Grand Prix.

"All the hard work is starting to pay off. This weekend is certainly going to be a better one than Melbourne," claimed Prost. Alesi retired from Australia, and Heidfeld finished last, two laps down.

This time, it was Heidfeld who suffered from the reliability problems.

He wound up last of the 22 drivers. "I've not had enough time to learn my way round the circuit," he siad. "It looks nice but I don't really know! Lets hope I get to know it better tomorrow."