Williams gives Pizzonia backing

Lauda said: "His technical feedback was impressive and he did a good lap time."

Williams sources, meanwhile, have suggested that while Pizzonia may not quite be able to match the ultimate pace of Juan Pablo Montoya, he is consistently fast over a race distance.

Pizzonia's Formula 3000 season with the Petrobras Junior Team was not as convincing as expected, but speaking at Indianapolis, Frank Williams said: "He has disappointed himself in F3000 and surprised us at the same time, but we rate him very highly and he should have a strong career in F1, there's no question about that. He is quick enough, certainly, and I think as much of a racer to be in F1. He is quite good at overtaking."

Pizzonia is believed to be one of those in the frame for Eddie Irvine's Jaguar seat next year, although Mark Webber is strongly fancied for the ride and Jaguar say that no decision has yet been made.