By Jamie Makin
March 4 2005

SAUBER PETRONAS drivers Felipe Massa and Jacques Villeneuve finished 6th and 16th respectively after today’s first practice sessions for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The 2005 season got underway with drivers running as few laps as possible to conserve their engines and tyres to meet the demands of new regulations. Although both drivers got close to the same track time, Felipe Massa was consistently quickest, mixing it up at the front of the field with Ferrari, Renault, McLaren and Williams.

"I'm happy with the way things went today," said the young Brazilian. "The car was quick, consistent and stable, and for our first proper run against everyone else it was good. I did a long run and the performance was reasonably consistent, so everything is working right and it's a good start to the new season."

Veteran Jacques Villeneuve makes his debut for the Swiss team and is still continuing his search for the right setup to suit him. "The new rules on engine life mean that you don't get much time for set-up work on the car, but the long run I did seemed okay," Villeneuve explained. "The first lap on the tyre seems to be the problem, for me at least, and we need to do some more work on that. This morning it also felt as if I had a long brake pedal, but really we just need to do a small adjustment to suit me."

With Villeneuve more comfortable on longer runs, it raises the question of whether the team will run each driver on a separate pit strategy. One to two stops are expected to be the norm this year now that tyre changes are not allowed. Could Massa be doing a two stop race with Villeneuve trying a one stopper?

Team principal Peter Sauber wasn't going to give it away though but he sounded very positive about the race and season ahead. "It is good finally to stop all the talking and to move into action. It has been a long winter! This first Friday of the season has been positive for us as we have adapted to the new rules governing the tyres, aerodynamics and preservation of the engines, and developed our new relationships with Michelin and our new driver, Jacques."

The drivers will get an additional two practice sessions Saturday morning before the first qualifying session in the afternoon.

Friday, Free Practice 1:

Driver	Chassis	Position	Best Time	Laps
J. Villeneuve	C24-03	14	1:29.332 (+3.365)	7
F. Massa	C24-02	6	1:27.971 (+2.004)	5
Spare Car	C24-01	-	-	-

Friday, Free Practice 2:

Driver	Chassis	Position	Best Time	Laps
J. Villeneuve	C24-03	16	1:27.513 (+2.137)	15
F. Massa	C24-02	6	1:26.357 (+0.981)	19
Spare Car	C24-01	-	-	-

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