Trulli Boosts Jordan Confidence

Italian Jarno Trulli made an immediate impression on the 2001 season by posting the second quickest time during Friday's free practice for the Australian Grand Prix.

The Jordan driver was marginally slower than Rubens Barrichello as he ensured the Silverstone-based team's disastrous 2000 season is now firmly behind them.

"I'm satisfied for the moment, but it's only Friday," said Trulli. "It was slippery out there and we have some work to do with the tyres and set-up.

"I had a problem with the electronics on the steering wheel and lost about half-an-hour of running time, but after that everything was good."

Trulli's finish in the times bodes well for the Silverstone-based team, who had a disastrous season in 2000.

His team-mate Heinz-Harald Frentzen recovered from a minor off at the start of the sessions which caused damage to the barge board and front wing of his EJ11, to post the eighth quickest time.

"One part of the track was quite slippery and I went into the gravel but luckily managed to keep going," said Frentzen. "The car is quick and our chances for the race will only materialise during qualifying."