01/11/2008
NEWS STORY
The Force India Formula One Team's Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil will start the final race of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship from 19th and 20th positions following a challenging qualifying session at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.
Both drivers steadily bettered their lap times during the first 20 minute segment of qualifying for tomorrow's Brazilian Grand Prix, however the bumpy 4.309km track in the heart of Brazil's largest city proved a tough master and the duo were unable to move away from the back row.
Adrian Sutil: 'I did three runs and even though each lap was quicker, I'm a little disappointed as my sector times were quite good and I thought we could have done a 13.2 lap time, a couple of tenths quicker. It would not have made a difference to our position, but at least we could have been closer to the other cars in time. It's not been the best qualifying for us!'
Giancarlo Fisichella: 'The balance felt pretty similar to this morning, but I had front locking and some oversteer through the second sector, which affected the lap time. My second run was a little better, but we struggled in particular through turns eight and ten. Perhaps I could have improved by a couple of tenths, but it would not have made a great difference, maybe one position. We'll look to the strategy to improve tomorrow and try to be flexible to be ready for whatever comes.'
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer: 'A slightly disappointing qualifying as both drivers missed their ideal lap times by a couple of tenths. I don't think it would have changed our position, however I think on race pace we can be very competitive with the Hondas and Williams and we have to look to try and beat them in tomorrow's race. The weather may also change and as Giancarlo proved here in 2003, it could really mix things up.'