'It's been a difficult day so far,' said Trulli. 'Diniz's Sauber dropped oil and there were no warning flags at the point where I spun off. It meant I lost most of the first session and a bit of the second while the car was cleaned up. I had wanted to try various set-ups this morning. When I eventually got going, the car didn't feel good. I did two or three runs, but it was not enough time to figure out where we are with the car. It's going to be a difficult qualifying for us.'

Frentzen remained near the bottom of the times as he tried to improve the handling, without success. 'The car is very difficult to drive,' said Heinz-Harald. 'It seems very nervous and there is a lack of grip. We are struggling to find the best solution.'

None of the leading drivers had any serious problems although David Coulthard, sixth fastest, also went off on Diniz's oil but managed to continue. Rubens Barrichello, fourth fastest for Ferrari, spun off while trying to match Jenson Button's third fastest time in the Williams.

Jordan Grand Prix