Sauber drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa finished sixth
and 12th respectively after today's first practice sessions for the
inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

Giancarlo Fisichella: "I'm quite happy, and it's been a good day. We are going in the right direction, and the balance is getting better and better. We had a graining problem, but considering that this is the first day on a new track it is encouraging. I'm optimistic for a start in the first four or five rows tomorrow."

Felipe Massa: "I was on a really good first run with the fastest first and second sector times until Sato had his engine failure. After that I still managed the fastest time at one stage. The car is quite competitive, and though we were struggling a little with tyre graining that will improve when the circuit gets more rubber down tomorrow. It's a really nice track. Turn One is very technical, the two quick corners are great fun and I can see some good overtaking opportunities. My first impressions are even better than I expected."

Peter Sauber (Team Principal): "Today enabled us to take our first laps on a beautiful new circuit. Both drivers - and the C23 itself - seem very comfortable with it, and I'm pleased with our initial result."