22/08/2009
NEWS STORY
Today's qualifying session in Valencia saw Fernando Alonso and Romain Grosjean qualify in 8th and 14th places respectively for tomorrow's European Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso: "It was very hot today and a tough session. At the beginning it seemed that we could be 3rd or 4th and then after Q1 we realised that we were not going to be as competitive as we thought. Of course, I'm not happy with 8th but since we had the same position in Q2 it seems that this was the limit of the car today. I'm disappointed for all the fans here for whom I would have liked a better grid position, but I'll do my best tomorrow in the race."
Romain Grosjean: "I am pleased to have made it into Q2 for my first qualifying session, especially as that was the objective I set myself yesterday. I want to thank the whole team who have been working with me and Fernando for all his helpful advice. To be fighting with the best drivers in the world is an incredible feeling and I'm really looking forward to starting my first Grand Prix tomorrow. I will give my maximum to get the best result possible from the race."
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: "We were expecting more in qualifying today even with the disrupted third practice this morning because the car seemed good and we thought we would be nearer the front of the grid with Fernando. Romain has continued to have a very sensible first race and he should be proud of his grid position on this difficult circuit. I'm sure he will have a strong race tomorrow."