Webber was hoping for more

"That was a pretty good session for us," said the Red Bull driver, who will start from seventh position.

"It would have been nice to be a bit further up on the grid, but at least we're in the top ten, I don't think we could have got much more from the car.

"The conditions weren't great out there, but it was the same for everyone and I'm looking forward to the race tomorrow," he added.

Webber outqualified teammate David Coulthard for the 11th time in a row, the Scot having to settle for 13th position.

"The conditions were very inconsistent through the first session - but, of course, it was the same for everyone," said Coulthard. "There was some light drizzle, so you had to try and get clear track at the prime moment for your tyres, which tended to be the second lap.

"Even a light amount of rain creates a lot of spray on the track, so if there's traffic you don't see the braking zone until about 200 yards from the end of the first straight. I had a lot of understeer for my final timed run and the car was performing badly under braking."