Chinese GP: Sauber Friday practice notes

Sauber Petronas 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."

Giancarlo Fisichella
Chassis: C23-04
Practice session 1: 1:36.944, 9th
Practice session 2: 1:34.680, 6th

Felipe Massa
Chassis: C23-03
Practice session 1: 1:36.086, 4th
Practice session 2: 1:34.959, 12th

-sauber-