Another morning of mixed results for Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda as Jarno Trulli, eighth fastest, lost valuable track time due to an engine problem. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, seventh quickest, completed a productive 33 laps in preparation for this afternoon's qualifying session.

"It was a trouble-free morning," said Frentzen. "I was able to complete all of my planned preparations for qualifying and make the most of the fact that the track was getting quicker as it usually does here towards the end of the two sessions. Even so, I had to work hard looking for those final hundredths of a second but it was worth it because qualifying will be very close. I'm looking forward to it; we are well prepared."

Trulli could not say the same after an engine problem restricted his running to just five laps during the first 45-minute session. The Jordan mechanics had to wait until the 30-minute interval before Jarno's car could be retrieved and work could start on an engine change. The job was completed in 50 minutes, a brilliant performance which allowed Trulli to complete two runs during the remaining 15 minutes.

"The mechanics did a really great job," said Trulli. "That gave me the chance to get out for a couple of runs before the end of practice and check out the balance of the car. Even though I managed eighth fastest time, it doesn't look easy for me in qualifying. It's going to be very close and, of course, it will be very easy to lose a couple of tenths of a second if you have not been able to do all the set-up work you want. And, if you lose even a small amount of time, that will cost a couple of places on the grid. So, it's going to be tough but we will just have to do the best job we can."

David Coulthard was fastest for McLaren, ahead of the two Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. Coulthard was one of several drivers to slide off a track which still remains slippery in places.