Formula 1

European GP: Sauber Saturday qualifying notes

Team Sauber Petronas drivers Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella will start tomorrow's European Grand Prix from 16th position and the last row respectively after this afternoon's qualifying sessions. Giancarlo Fisichella: "It was a tactical ...

Published: May 29, 2004, 10:41 PM

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Team Sauber Petronas drivers Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella will start tomorrow's European Grand Prix from 16th position and the last row respectively after this afternoon's qualifying sessions.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"It was a tactical decision to conserve the tyres and not take part in the qualifying session, given that I have to move back 10 places on the grid because of my problem on Friday morning. The car is still improving from race to race, and though it won't be an easy race at least you can overtake here and I know we can be competitive."

Felipe Massa:

"I made a mistake in Turn 7 which cost me at least a couple of positions. This morning it was difficult to find a good set-up but we improved the car for qualifying so I know that I will have a good car for the race."

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"It made good sense to us to conserve Giancarlo's car by not participating in the official qualifying session, as this will keep his tyres in premium condition for the race. Felipe's result was not what we expected, and both starting positions are disappointing."

Giancarlo Fisichella
Chassis: C23-03
No time, last row

Felipe Massa
Chassis: C23-06
1:31.982s, 16th

-sauber-

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