12/09/2009
NEWS STORY
For the second consecutive race, the Force India Formula One Team will start from the front row of the grid as Adrian Sutil put in a superb performance to secure second position for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. Tonio Liuzzi, racing the VJM02 for the first time this weekend, will start from an impressive seventh position, marking the first time the team has achieved a double top 10 start.
Adrian had started the day strongly with the fastest time in the morning's free practice. He then followed this with a solid Q1 performance, securing the 7th fastest time. He made just two runs in Q2, finishing with the fourth best lap to ease into Q3 for the second time this year. Adrian completed just three laps in Q3, setting his quickest time on his final lap to secure a career-best second position and an all Mercedes engine front row.
Tonio progressed to Q2 thanks to the 8th quickest lap. His best lap of Q2, a 1:23.207, was just shy of Adrian's best for 5th position - and allowed Tonio through to Q3. A great performance on his debut then enabled the 28-year-old Italian to capture his highest-ever starting position of 7th.
Adrian Sutil: After the results yesterday and this morning, we wanted to fight for the pole position. We knew the car was up to it and that's what we showed in qualifying today. We have a great package, this circuit suits us very well as we have an incredible top speed and also a good downforce package so the efficiency of the car is really good. I'm starting on the front row with Lewis for the first time since F3 and I'm really happy he is next to me, he's a good friend but we will fight hard for it. I have a lot of respect for him. It's going to be very difficult start with the KERS cars around me but the race is long, I'll do what I have to to defend my position and have a good strategy. If the race pace is OK we can gain positions and even if they get past me I have a good, fast car on the straights so it's going to be tight.
Tonio Liuzzi: Two weeks ago I didn't expect to be on the grid so this is a fantastic result - better than we expected. The team made a great effort and gave me a lot of support to reach this target. They never gave up and we had a great Friday and Saturday. The race will be difficult physically and mentally but I like the fight, the team are fighters and we will give the maximum in tomorrow's race. I'm definitely looking forward to racing in front of my home crowd.
Dominic Harlow, chief race engineer: Today's Qualifying session showed that Spa was not merely a one-off but that we are genuinely competitive. Both drivers and everyone in the team have done a really excellent job so far this weekend and have put us in a strong position for tomorrow's race.
Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and managing director: I'm absolutely delighted with this weekend's performance so far. We've been very strong all weekend and both drivers have been outstanding. Adrian has really showed a great maturity to achieve his best-ever starting position, while Tonio has been a revelation on his debut. Although qualifying is just one part of the equation we are feeling quite upbeat about tomorrow's race now.