Turkish GP: Sauber Saturday qualifying notes

Team Sauber Petronas drivers Felipe Massa and Jacques Villeneuve will start tomorrow's inaugural Turkish Grand Prix from eighth and 18th positions respectively after this afternoon's qualifying session.

Jacques Villeneuve:

"The track was very slippery, a lot more than this morning, and I just pushed too hard. My lap was faster than I thought up until I spun. Turn 8 is a real challenge, and the car got away from me there. I probably should have pushed a little bit less, I guess."

Felipe Massa:

"There was a lot of sand on the track so it would have been very easy to make a mistake, but I managed not to and had a good lap. Starting in the top eight is always very good for us, and I won't deny the possibility that we can score some more points tomorrow. It's going to be a tough race, because this is physically a hard track, but we can do well."

"I have six races left for Sauber before I leave, and I am really determined to do my best for the team to thank everyone here for all their efforts for me during my time here."

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"Jacques was competitive in the first sector on his qualifying lap, but overall the grip level was poor this afternoon and unfortunately he spun in Turn 8. Felipe did a fine lap and given the poor track conditions was able to achieve a very good eighth place in difficult circumstances."

"As any new track, we have used our computer simulation programme to evaluate initial circuit characteristics and requirements; until track data became available from Friday practice sessions. The team has done a great job to find a well-balanced C24."

Felipe Massa
Chassis: C24-06
1:28.419s, 8th

Jacques Villeneuve
Chassis: C24-04
No time, 18th

-sauber-