French GP: Sauber Saturday qualifying notes

Team Sauber Petronas drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa will start tomorrow's French Grand Prix from 15th and 16th position respectively after this afternoon's qualifying sessions.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"I'm still not sure what happened in the final corner this morning, when my front push rod broke. We are still analysing all the data. As a result I had to go to the T-car, which had most but not all of the latest aerodynamic package, so the grip was not quite as good. It was a difficult qualifying session for us, but we did a good job with the fuel load we were carrying."

Felipe Massa:

"We knew that qualifying here was going to be tough for us, as our tyres are always better in the race. Our grid places look not so good, but we will be a lot stronger in the race. I'm pretty happy with what I did this afternoon, especially as the track was more slippery while I was out because of the stronger wind that pushed me a little wide in the quick chicane."

Peter Sauber (Team Principal):

"Qualifying was tough and turned out the way we expected it would here, but we know that in equally challenging circumstances tomorrow our set-up will be stronger and hope for a better deal."

Giancarlo Fisichella
Chassis: C23-04
1:16.177, 15th

Felipe Massa
Chassis: C23-01
1:16.200, 16th

-sauber-