Villeneuve Hopes Strategy Pays Off

The former World Champion could only manage the 15th best time, one place behind teammate Felipe Massa, as both drivers claimed that did the best they could under the circumstances.

Villeneuve said: "The balance was pretty good, but that was as fast as the car would go with the strategy we chose.

"Actually, I expected to be slower than I was, going so early in the session when the track was slippery, because Monaco and Hungary are both places where it gets much better as things progress.

"Being only three tenths of a second off Felipe - I'm quite happy with that, especially as our race pace is going to be better than our qualifying speed."

Despite the strategy choice that should help the team move up the order on Sunday, Massa knows it is going to be a tough race.

"The balance on my car was reasonable, but it just wasn't quick enough," he said. "The lap was good enough for what we had this afternoon, but I couldn't go faster. It's going to be a difficult race starting this far back, but let's try to finish at least.

"You never know what can happen here; it's a very hot race and maybe not everyone will make it home."