Williams hopes for top grid positions

And Alex Zanardi put in one of his best performances of the season as he sat just behind his team-mate, third on the grid.

But both Schumacher junior and technical director Patrick Head said they did not expect to hang onto their positions once the clock is running in earnest in qualifying tomorrow.

'I am quite happy with the car,' said Schumacher. 'Of course it is only Friday and, as everybody knows, the free practice doesnt mean that much in terms of comparison with the other teams.

'But we had a good test here last week so I am not surprised with this result.

'I am not saying we will be in pole position after qualifying but that we could reasonably be placed up in the top ten.

'We've always known the car's aerodynamics are good.'

Zanardi was equally bullish after one of his best days in a return to Formula One that he been plagued with misfortune and technical problems.

'I'm in a much better situation that I have been so far this season but I cannot say I am completely satisfied with the car because I am still struggling with a problem that has yet to be identified.'