Villeneuve Worried about Reliability

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve says he is worried about the reliability of his BAR 005 ahead of Sunday's season opening Australian Grand Prix.

"After this morning's practice, reliability will be a bit of a worry but we can still fight for the podium so that's what we have to try and do," said Villeneuve, who succumbed to engine problems both yesterday and in today's first free practice session.

The 1997 World Champion, however, put on a promising performance in today's qualifying, setting the sixth quickest time with the Honda-powered car.

"Sixth position is a good place to start the race," said the Canadian. "Our strategy is sound and very realistic so we're still looking good for tomorrow; we should be up there at the front for the battle. I'm just disappointed with my lap because it wasn't very special."

Briton Jenson Button will start two places behind Villeneuve after posting a lap less than three tenths of a second slower.

"It's difficult to know where we stand compared with everybody else but I'm pretty happy with eighth position," said Button. "It's a good place to be starting the first race of the season. We're starting from a points-scoring position though so I'm still feeling confident for the race."