Villeneuve Expects Tough Race at Barcelona

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve is not dreaming of repeating last year's result at the Spanish Grand Prix, where the British American Racing driver scored the team's first ever podium with a third place finish.

The 1997 World Champion and his Honda-powered squad have so far failed to make an impression this year and are still point-less after the first four races of the season. Villeneuve enjoyed his best Grand Prix of the year at Imola two weeks ago, finishing just outside the points in seventh place.

However, despite the improvement at the San Marino Grand Prix, the Canadian is not confident of repeating his performance at this weekend's race in Barcelona.

"We've done a lot of work to prepare for the next race and Barcelona is a track we know well through testing, but it won't be easy for us to repeat our Imola performance," admitted Villeneuve.

"We're certainly not expecting a repeat of last year's podium but we have to do as good a job through the weekend as we did in the last race so we can take advantage of any opportunities.

"I've won in Barcelona before and I like the circuit, but it's hard on brakes and understeer is a big problem. We're expecting a tough race."

Meanwhile teammate Olivier Panis, who has retired in all four races this season, is just hoping to make it to the end of the Grand Prix.

"I finished 2nd here in 1997 but at this stage I'll be happy just to finish the race," he said. "My motivation remains high and I continue to stay patient because I'm sure that improvements will come through the season."