McLaren prove quickest as Davidson targets Toyota

McLaren-Mercedes were on top this time, edging out Ferrari and putting a stretch of this ever inspiring circuit between themselves and the rest, but even those leading the Anglo-German cause are reluctant to trumpet an impending shift of power.

Ferrari seek a 50th consecutive podium placing in tomorrow's Belgian Grand Prix and David Coulthard, second to his McLaren team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, yesterday, believes the red cars will again have the advantage of front row starting positions. Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, the world champion and intent on claiming a record 10th win of the season, was third, followed by his partner, Rubens Barrichello. Ralf Schumacher, in the first of the Williams-BMWs, was fifth.

Coulthard endeavoured to put the proceedings into prospective, saying: "There have been many Fridays when we've been the quicker team but we are working to a strategy that suits our purposes. I think we are closer to Ferrari but in qualifying I expect it to be Ferrari on the front, followed by ourselves and then Williams.''

However, the capricious climate here might influence the course of events. Yesterday's practice was delayed by fog and the threat of rain comes with the territory.

Coulthard added his voice to those horrified at the prospect of losing this race because of a scheduled ban on tobacco advertising. "It would be terrible,'' he said. "This is still an awesome circuit, really challenging. The corners are incredible, unlike those at Indianapolis. My grandmother could drive there. The first time I went through Eau Rouge flat today I let out a yelp. I don't do that.''

Schumacher has still to register a pole position here. He said: "I don't know why that is but its something I hope to change this time.'' Jenson Button, who famously out-qualified Schumacher here two years ago, was sixth yesterday in his Renault. Eddie Irvine was ninth for Jaguar and Allan McNish 11th.

McNish and Mika Salo are to be released by the team at the end of the season and Olivier Panis has already been named as replacement for one of them. The list of candidates to fill the other seat includes Britain's latest Formula One driver, Anthony Davidson. The 23-year-old from Brackley, who made his debut for Minardi in Hungary a fortnight ago, is due to hand back the car to Alex Yoong after this race so is determined to make the most of an opportunity to strengthen his case for a drive next season.

Ove Andersson, the Toyota team principal, confirmed: "Davidson is on our list of candidates. We have spoken to him. What he did in Hungary was very impressive. We need a new angle, new blood, new motivation, new momentum. Panis is a very experienced driver but the other driver should be someone who is young and has potential and enthusiasm. Davidson comes into that category.''

Among Davidson's rivals are three Brazilians: Felipe Massa, dropped by Sauber; Christiano da Matta, the leader of the CART championship; and Antonio Pizzonia, currently in Formula 3000. There is also support for Japan's Takuma Sato, of Jordan.

Davidson was 18th yesterday, two places ahead of his team mate, Mark Webber, who had to abandon his car long before the end of the session. A buoyant Davidson said: "The perfect weekend for me would be to out-qualify Mark. He is the yardstick. I've got this chance to show I'm better than Mark. One of us is going to be screwed after this weekend and I don't want it to be me. It's a ruthless business and you've got to be selfish.''

* Arrows said last night that they will not compete here because a deal to sell the team to an American investor cannot be completed on time. The investor was named yesterday as Carl Smith, who made his fortune in mining.