Villeneuve Rues Mechanical Problems

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve claimed a mechanical problem cost him a better grid position at tomorrow's Brazilian Grand Prix.

The BAR driver's flying lap was hampered by a suspected problem with on of the exhausts of his Honda engine, and Villeneuve finished in a disappointing 13th position.

"I'm disappointed to be starting the race from 13th position," he said. "The most annoying thing is that as soon as I accelerated out of turn one, the engine noise changed rapidly. I lost a lot of power and that stayed for the whole lap so it's very frustrating.

"Our speed was down as well so I hope we can identify the problem and deal with it for the race because, if not, it will be a big problem."

British teammate Jenson Button enjoyed a better session despite being the first man out on track. Button spun in yesterday's qualifying and was forced to abort his run after losing his car's rear wing.

Despite that, he managed to outqualify Villeneuve and finish in 11th position.

"My time was a little slower than this morning and the last sector was a couple of tenths down from where it should have been," said Button at the end of the day. "It's so difficult to go out first because you've got to get rid of the hot air out on the circuit.

"The race set-up isn't too bad and I think we have gone in the right direction in terms of the strategy, but I think we can make a few adjustments that will help us tomorrow."