Webber Laments Weather Change

Australian Mark Webber lamented rain hampered his chances of a better result in today's first qualifying for the European Grand Prix.

The Jaguar driver was one of several men who were caught out by the weather changes during the session, and although Webber completed his flying lap when the track was still beginning to get wet his pace was compromised, finishing more than five seconds off the pace in 12th place.

"We were performing very well this morning and anticipating a good qualifying session but there is little you can do when it starts raining in the middle of your lap," said Webber. "There is always a risk of this happening with one-lap qualifying and it was only a matter of time before it turned against us.

"That said, the rules are the same for everyone but it's a shame given the good work and competitiveness we demonstrated up until the rain came down. It's not the be all and end all and we'll just have to see what tomorrow brings now.

"Our lap times are very competitive in the dry and we just have to stay calm, focused and hope for track conditions that allow us to fulfil our true potential."

Jaguar teammate Antonio Pizzonia could not avoid the rain and wound up 18th quickest.

"Not what any of us hoped for but what can you do," said Pizzonia. "Our preparation going into the session was very good and the car feels very competitive around this circuit. The balance and tyres worked very well but given that I was the 18th man on the track today, the surface water by that stage was unbearable.

"The car was sliding around all over the place and it was also difficult to see because my visor was so steamed-up. The aim of the game was to get the car home and build upon the good work we achieved this morning."