EXCLUSIVE TACH COVERAGE

Australian Grand Prix: Villeneuve shows the old guard how it's done.

by Nicholas Frankl

TACH European Bureau

Reigning Indy car Champion Jacques Villeneuve will start from pole position in his first ever Formula One race when the Australian Grand Prix begins Sunday afternoon. The Williams number two, who has shown remarkable pace throughout the week, was delighted with his best time of 1.32.371, enough to resign the pre-race favorite Hill to second spot with a 1.32.509.

" I looked it up" reported Hill "last time this happened was over 20 years ago when Carlos Reutemann driving a Brabham at the Buenos Airies Grand Prix started from pole on his first visit to Formula One".

The Englishman putting a brave face on what was clearly a bitter blow.

" I've been watching Jacques and it's no surprise to me that he's on pole. Obviously I would have liked to be there, but better him than one of the others".

But the rookie Canadians achievement is no less for that.

"I realize that the race is altogether another thing but I think if I go to the edge like I'm used to than it's winnable", he replied after being questioned as to his ability to sustain the necessary race pace.

Hill wasn't the only over-shadowed favorite. Ferrari's number two Eddie Irvine, who had barely driven his car before arriving here, out paced No.1 World Champion Michael Schumacher to take third spot with his team mate lining up next to him in fourth. The charismatic Irishman was in jovial mood in the post qualifying press conference and made much of his reputation for crashing, explaining

" I'm planning to take out the Williams cars on the 1st corner and let Michael through."

Hill responded "and don't think he's kidding".

But Villeneuve is not one to be easily flustered if the weeks performance is anything to go by. He accepts the race is a daunting prospect and that anything less than a win would be a disappointment. The scene is now set for the one of the most exciting starts to the season for years, with Hakkinen, Alesi, Berger and Barrichello making up the top eight. The bottom line is that anyone of them could win it.