DAVID Coulthard grabbed provisional pole position for the Pacific
Grand Prix on his Aida debut yesterday -- and immediately led a chorus
of criticism of the circuit.
Coulthard celebrated his first appearance on the Japanese track by
spearheading a Williams Renault one-two, finishing one-tenth of a second
ahead of team-mate Damon Hill.
The 24-year-old Scot clocked one minute 14.182 seconds to see off a
late challenge from Hill, with world champion Michael Schumacher, who
led for much of the session, forced into third place in 1-14.524.
''This is the dustiest track of any we have raced on,'' said the
Scottish driver of a circuit which is hosting it's second Grand Prix.
Argentina was dusty, but at least if you ran wide you were on grass or a
kerb. Here, if you run wide you're on dust.
''I am sure tomorrow will be quicker. I just hope that the positions
are the same.''
Fellow Williams driver Hill was content with second place on the
provisional grid for a race he must win -- and hope Schumacher doesn't
collect at least three points -- if the title battle is to continue.
''Whatever happens to Michael is out of my hands, so my approach to
the race is very straightforward -- I have to win it,'' Hill added.
He echoed Coulthard's complaints about the track, saying: ''At the
moment it's just like a beach. There is lots of dust and as soon as
anyone goes off he brings it back on to the track.''
Departing Ferrari duo Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger finished fourth
and fifth respectively, followed by a trio of Brits who were separated
by less than two tenths of a second.
Benetton's Johnny Herbert led his fellow countrymen with sixth place
(1-15.561), followed by McLaren's Mark Blundell (1-15.652) and Eddie
Irvine of Jordan (1-15.696).
Herbert and Blundell have both been axed by their teams and are
looking to produce a good performance in the Japanese double header to
boost their chances of finding a drive for next season.
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