05/07/2008
NEWS STORY
Qualifying for this weekend's British Grand Prix took place in typical British summertime weather: cloudy skies, showers and interspersed sunny periods. As a result, the first 20 minutes of the session were an exciting affair as teams gambled on track conditions and the timing of flying laps.
Force India Formula One Team's gamble of putting in a series of laps in the opening 10 minutes, when the weather was dry, and then a final flying lap in the dying minute following a brief shower, so nearly paid dividends. Giancarlo Fisichella looked set to move himself into the top 15 on his very last lap, until a spin in the last sector put paid to his chance. The Italian will start in 20th position, with team-mate Adrian Sutil just ahead in 19th.
Demonstrating however the improvements resulting from the new aero and mechanical package the duo were just three tenths from making it to Q2 for the first time this season and less than half a second from the top 10. With heavy rain predicted throughout race day tomorrow, the team will look to make up positions in what could be a thrilling British Grand Prix.
Adrian Sutil: It was quite a good qualifying for us as I think we could get nearly all the performance out of the car, although we had a little problem with graining on the front tyres that cost us a little bit of time. There is a better trend at the moment; we have a new update on the car, it works well and we are not too far away from the others - only about two tenths.
Giancarlo Fisichella: Unfortunately I had a problem with the engine cover during the session and I lost some downforce as the right side of the car was in a bad position. That said, I was only three tenths away from Q2 so it's not too bad considering.
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer: An exciting qualifying session with the threat of rain throughout. As we expected we had clearly made a step forward to the group in front, but unfortunately just not quite enough this time out. Giancarlo had a problem with a loose piece of bodywork that we weren't able to fix during the session as he got scrutineered twice. Then, on his last lap, which probably would have been enough to put him very close to Q2, he unfortunately spun in the complex at the end of the lap. While it is disappointing that we just missed out on Q2, it is encouraging that we are closer.