Mat Coch writes:

Force India enjoyed a strong performance in qualifying for the German Grand Prix with both Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg making it through to the final phase of Saturday's session.

"I think it was a good performance by us," said Hulkenberg after the session. "We were on the track in the right moments (and) I did the laps in the right moments."

The 24-year-old had a wild slide early in the final part of the session, the car aquaplaning and throwing him in to a real tank slapper. "That was quite a shocking moment! I was just going down the parabolic straight and there was a lot of water, all session, and just aquaplaned off the circuit and prayed that I don't touch anything. Luckily I didn't and just went in to the gravel and was able to continue."

However despite his best qualifying performance of the season the German suggested that the result was more than could be expected of the team. "To bring it back home in that position I think that is the challenge tomorrow," he admitted when asked about his expectations for the race. "Realistically speaking I think you have to expect to slip back a little bit."

Teammate di Resta was similarly cautious when asked if he could improve on his ninth place. "I certainly hope so but there's some quick people behind us," he admitted. "I'm sure Massa will be fairly quick and Rosberg as well."

Di Resta was left slightly frustrated after qualifying, more than a second slower than Hulkenberg. "I think it was just down to track position," said the Scot. "At the end when everybody was backing off we seemed to always be the car that was kind of in their way. I had to keep backing out and then on the last lap I just didn't have any temperature in the tyres."

Both drivers are hoping for strong results after a slow start to the season. Improved performances since the European Grand Prix have buoyed the team, which is now looking for points-paying results before the mid-season break to confirm that potential. "That would be the ideal thing, to finish off before the summer break with good results," said Hulkenberg, "but let's see what happens."