Super Aguri duo push on despite struggles

The team, with their future in the balance after the collapse of a takeover deal, were slowest in both of today's practice sessions in Spain.

Davidson finished at the bottom of the times, over three seconds off the pace and over one behind Toyota's Timo Glock, the slowest non-Super Aguri driver.

"It has been a difficult week; mentally tough for all of us in the team, but we are pushing on," said Davidson. "The balance of the car did not feel too far away today, so I am happy about that.

"Unfortunately I had a problem with my brakes in the second session and it felt like the rears were working too much compared to the fronts, with a very long pedal. If we can sort that out, then I am looking forward to being back in the car and to Qualifying tomorrow."

Teammate Takuma Sato was also far from his rivals' pace, but the Japanese was happy to be back in action.

"It is nice to be back behind the wheel in Barcelona again because I have not been here since the race last year where we scored our first point," said Sato. "This weekend started during a difficult time for the team and I am proud of the way everyone has pulled together.

"Looking at performance, it is also very hard. We completed the usual Friday programme, trying to improve the set-up of the car, but we are some way off the pace. We shall try very hard to improve things for tomorrow and I know that everyone is giving 100%."