Quick Frentzen Not Getting Carried Away

German Heinz-Harald Frentzen is unsure if his impressive performance in today's qualifying for the season opening Australian Grand Prix will mean he is competitive in the race.

Under the new regulations introduced this season, the teams are not allowed to refuel their cars between qualifying and Sunday's race, something that means a driver could run with very low fuel in order to shine in qualifying but would have to pit very early in the race.

Despite setting a very promising fourth fastest time Frentzen admitted he will have to wait until the race to know how competitive he is.

"My car was better balanced today, and overall I'm pretty happy," said the Sauber driver after qualifying. "I couldn't get the second chicane quite right, but everywhere else the car felt really good. I won't know just how good though, until after the race."

Frentzen's teammate Nick Heidfeld wound up seventh quickest to complete a very good session for the Swiss squad.

"I pushed the car to the limit without going off," explained Heidfeld. "It was a good lap, not perfect, but I am reasonably happy taking into account the track time that we've lost so far this weekend. The balance of the car was good and I got the most out of it."