By Jamie Makin
April 24 2005

Jacques Villeneuve put in his best drive of the season and silenced his critics with a sixth place finish today. It was a well-earned sixth as well, in a race with little attrition amongst the front-runners. "We didn’t know that we would have so much improvement in the car when we arrived here this weekend, and that has really helped. I thoroughly enjoyed my race," said the very happy Villeneuve. "I had a good fight with Webber and when he ran wide he tried to come back on but I was able to get by. If I had been another 10 centimetres further forward I would have taken the risk with Wurz at the same time, but it was early in the race and would have been touch and go."

Villeneuve seems to have sorted out his problems in dealing with the team's engineers and his setup giving him much more confidence in the car. "I made a great start and my pit stops couldn’t have been better, so thanks to the team for their efforts on my behalf this afternoon," Villeneuve said. "Having the improvement also permitted me more freedom from the team in setting the car up the way I like, and that played its part too. This has been a good weekend and everything and everyone is more positive. I’ve had a hell of a time this year, so it’s sweet to score these points while making a point of my own."

Felipe Massa's weekend was something of a disaster though. An engine change saw him start near the back of the grid and he bogged down on the start. "I was still in neutral trying to get a gear when the race began so I lost chances to overtake on the first lap," mused a frustrated Massa. "As you can see with Michael, it was almost impossible to overtake here, and many times I was behind Coulthard." Several collisions with the Red Bull driver's car dropped Massa further down the order.

"When I got really close I got brake fade, which is why I touched his rear wheel one lap and lost my wing. I had to pit early as a result and as we had to refuel then the car was heavier than it should have been," complained Massa. "But even so it was very good whenever I had clear laps. I knew that it would be after our performance in qualifying, and if I had been able to start from eighth on the grid I think it would have been possible to fight for a very good position not far from the podium."

Still, things are looking much improved for the small Swiss team after this race weekend. "After qualifying we realised that we had made a significant step, but it was bigger than we expected," said a delighted Peter Sauber. "During the race I was even more surprised what we were seeing. Jacques was able to keep a strong pace and I am particularly happy for him after three difficult races that he should be able to savour this success. It was clear that Felipe would have a difficult time starting a fuel-heavy car 18th as it is so hard to overtake here, and that must have been frustrating for him. But overall I am very happy that the car is at a competitive level now. Thanks again to our technical crew in Hinwil."

The team will now test at the Fiorano circuit from 26 to 28 April before heading to the Spanish Grand Prix in two weeks time.