Wilson was 1.7 seconds slower than Renault pace-setter Jarno Trulli but more importantly was just 0.8secs adrift of Jaguar team-mate Mark Webber despite his lack of time in the car.

The 6ft 3in Wilson has joined the Milton Keynes-based outfit for the remaining five races and is determined to impress and clinch a full-time drive with the team in 2004.

Wilson knows it is unlikely he will out qualify or outrace Webber this weekend but needs to be as close as possible to the Australian having been handed the opportunity following the sacking of Brazil’s Antonio Pizzonia.

Denmark’s Nicolas Kiesa, who has taken Wilson’s seat at Minardi, was back in 10th spot just ahead of the team’s new test driver, Gianmaria Bruni of Italy.

Trulli finished just over 0.1secs ahead of team-mate Fernando Alonso with Renault’s reserve driver Allan McNish third quickest.

The Renault trio finished comfortably ahead of fourth placed Webber who was 0.8secs off Trulli’s pace.

Italy’s Giancarlo Fisichella was fifth fastest followed by fellow Jordan driver Ralph Firman who moved ahead of Wilson late in the two-hour session.

The Jordan duo both had spins while Hungary’s Zsolt Baumgartner, in the first of two drives with the Ford-powered team, was ninth fastest having hit technical problems early on when his car stopped on the way into the pits.