Marussia Virgin Qualifying Report

Back on Track

After yesterday's tough start, Free Practice 3 and Qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix saw a return to smooth running for the team It was much cooler today as the team continued preparations for tomorrow's Chinese Grand Prix.

Timo Glock is aiming to finish the race on Sunday

Photo by: xpb.cc

Timo and Jérôme started the Free Practice session as usual with an installation lap and then waited for a bit for the track conditions to become less dusty with more rubber laid down. The team had worked hard overnight, preparing both cars and analysing data to arrive at an improved setup and both drivers were able to take advantage of this to set better times. Timo completed 17 laps ending up 21st on the timesheet, Jérôme was classified 22nd having completed 16 laps.

For Qualifying, the team chose to make two timed runs, setting improved times in both. Jérôme will start tomorrow’s race from 21st position while Timo will be 22nd on the grid.

Timo Glock

“Overall a better day than yesterday because we were at least able to complete our programme, but we were not able to get the best result in Qualifying which is disappointing. I had some warm-up issues on the first run and the tyres were not working really at all on the second, so I have to think the changes we made between Free Practice 3 and Qualifying were not for the better. I think overall we went a little too conservative, but who knows? That might help us in the race. We'll have a good look at the data now and see what that tells us, then look to a good strategy for tomorrow and aim for the chequered flag.”

Jerome d’Ambrisio was happy with the car today

Photo by: xpb.cc

Jérôme D’Ambrosio

“I'm very happy. What I take away from today is that I continue to improve, and although I still have a lot to learn, I'm going in the right direction. That's the most important thing for me. It’s still the beginning and I have a lot to do, but the way I'm working - and how everyone in the team is working - is good and the results are showing that the direction we are following is the right one. It was a good Saturday.”

John Booth, Team Principal

"We have recovered well from a difficult start to the weekend and are a lot closer to where we expected as a result. Timo struggled with the tyres and had a lot more to come. We're hoping the setup will translate better to the race conditions tomorrow. Jerome did an exceptional job and everything went right for him.

After a more difficult Free Practice 3 he brought it all back when it counted and he is really stepping up to the plate with each race. So generally a good few positives to give us some momentum for the race tomorrow when we'll be looking to make the most of our encouraging reliability by bringing both cars home.”