Piquet plays down hopes

The British Formula 3 front-runner was running an excellent fourth fastest when he crashed out of the session and, despite not running when the track was at its fastest, he still ended the day eighth quickest overall.

Although some are suggesting that Piquet's quick adaptation to the circuit could lead to a major challenge for victory, the son of the former world champion is adamant that he is only out this weekend to learn the track before an all-out assault in 2004.

He said: "Today was good, but it is still very difficult having the learn the circuit. And now I have had this accident we need to repair the car and then see tomorrow in practice how everything is going to work.

"I think it is going to be okay, but I have a long night to think about everything, think about the track and see how much I can do better.

"I just want to learn the most I can this weekend and then maybe I can win next year with the team. I am just trying to learn as much - and if I can just get a podium or a top six finish that would be really good."