Verstappen Happy to Race on Sunday

Both Jos Verstappen and Enrique Bernoldi were relieved after the Belgian Grand Prix stewards allowed them to take part in tomorrow's race despite being unable to set a time within the 107 per cent.

Both Arrows drivers struggled during most of the session with their underpowered A22s, and Dutchman Verstappen blamed Jaguar's Eddie Irvine for not being able to cross the finish line before the chequered flag was waved, making it impossible for him to improve on a drying track.

Verstappen was disappointed with his performance at Spa, but he admitted he was happy to be able to race on Sunday, when he will start from 19th position.

"What can I say? I was running on intermediates from the start and was making steady progress," said Verstappen. "The plan for my last run was to do two timed laps. On my first flying lap I was blocked by Irvine so we decided I should do a slow lap and then another quick one at the end but it went wrong as I missed the chequered flag by about three seconds.

"I have to say this is my worst ever qualifying result but I'm pleased to say we are in the race tomorrow."

Teammate Enrique Bernoldi finished the day behind his teammate and Minardi's Fernando Alonso, the Brazilian also being unable to complete his final run.

"Unfortunately I was called onto the weighbridge with only five minutes to go so by the time I got back to the garage, time was very tight," said Bernoldi. "The team changed my tyres but ran out of time for refuelling.

"My last flying lap was looking very good but I ran out of fuel at the Bus Stop Chicane so naturally I am very very disappointed."