Zonta expects better Spa race

Brazilian Zonta has set his sights on scoring his first points in Formula 1 since Indianapolis in 2000 for BAR-Honda.

"I think the improvements to the TF104B will be more apparent at Spa because the revised aero package made a positive difference on the fast corners, and there are lots of those at Spa, so it should be good for us," said Zonta. "I think our aim for the remaining races of the season has to be to score as many championship points as we can, so I am heading to the Belgian Grand Prix hoping to score my first top eight finish of the season."

Despite the fickle climate of the venue in the midst of the Ardennes forest, Zonta says the mixed weather conditions that can occur hold no fears for him.

"Spa can always produce some rain, but as a driver, I am confident in all weather conditions," he said. "I have done a lot of our wet weather tests with Michelin this season. The difficulty we would face in wet conditions is that we have not had the chance to complete a proper test with the TF104B. Therefore, we don't yet know where the limitations of the new car are, even in the dry, so I do not think we would feel too confident in the wet."

Although his first race replacing Cristiano da Matta in the team at Hungary didn't exactly go to plan, not helped when he spun at the first corner, Zonta believes the experience will set him up for a much better run at Spa in both qualifying and the race.

"The one-lap qualifying system was another new element for me to learn and it was difficult to put everything together," he added. "After three years of being away from racing, that is quite normal and is something that will be rectified this weekend. Everything is going to be easier in Spa. I am much more relaxed and I know what the car can do."