CHINESE GP RESULT 1 R Barrichello (Ferrari) 2 J Button (BAR) 3 K Raikkonen (McLaren) 4 F Alonso (Renault) 5 JP Montoya (Williams) 6 T Sato (BAR) 7 G Fisichella (Sauber) 8 F Massa (Sauber) China Grand Prix: Race report Race in pictures

The 1997 world champion, driving for Renault in the last three races of the year, said: "I just needed too long to get into the rhythm of the race.

"I made a good start but hadn't warmed up the tyres enough and lost a lot of the positions I had made up.

"But I learned a lot and now feel ready for the next race at Suzuka."

Villeneuve was a long way off the pace of team-mate Fernando Alonso, who finished fourth behind Rubens Barrichello, Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen.

The Canadian had had only minimal experience of Renault's car before the race.

He held off numerous attacks from Michael Schumacher during the race, but at one point the team told him on the radio to speed up.

Schumacher shrugs off troubles Schumacher shrugs off troubles

Villeneuve added: "As soon as the circuit rubbered in more and the grip improved, I was able to attack.

"But unfortunately, I couldn't stay close enough behind Webber in turns nine and 10 - which meant that I was too far behind to try and overtake when we got to the braking zone for the hairpin at turn 14.

"I know the R24 (car) better, I have got a full race distance under my belt and I have also understood what a 2004-style race is like.

"It was fun. I got to fight to the end, but it wasn't for any points, so I'm a little annoyed by that."

Team boss Flavio Briatore, who had drafted Villeneuve in to replace the sacked Jarno Trulli, said his new driver had "succeeded with a difficult challenge".