Rubens Barrichello admitted that the spin that cost him a shot at qualifying in top 10 for the Australian Grand Prix was down to driver error.
The Brazilian spun into the gravel at Turn 3 during Q2, after running wide on to the grass on the entry to the corner on the beginning of a fast lap.
"I think it was a pure error," the Williams driver said. "This morning we had a problem with the gearbox and things were a bit rushed.
"The prime tires had the time so it didn't even matter, so I just went probably a little bit wide and made a mistake – a silly one."
Barrichello added that he had been surprised by the pace of qualifying, adding that he had expected to be faster.
"The option tires were fine but the pace was faster than what we thought," said Barrichello. "So we need to see what is the final time because the car didn't look that fast. Looking on the very positive we saved tires. Who knows, tomorrow is a big doubt for everyone."