Stoddart Delighted to Beat Jordan

"It is really pleasing to see the potential of the new car is beginning to show," said Stoddart.

"To be consistently ahead of our nearest rival so far this weekend means we are well on the way to achieving our goals."

Austrian Patrick Friesacher posted the 14th quickest time, right in front of teammate Christijan Albers and the two Jordans of Tiago Monteiro and Narain Karthikeyan.

The two rookies will gain a position after McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya was sent to the back of the grid for causing an accident in practice.

Stoddart is now hoping to keep the momentum on Sunday.

"Both drivers have given 100 per cent around this very demanding circuit, and my thanks go to the whole team, which has worked relentlessly day and night," added Stoddart. "The continuing progress is down to the efforts of all concerned.

"Let's now hope for an equally productive second qualifying session, and an interesting race tomorrow."