Spa: Arden qualifying report

Perez maintains strong run of form

Fresh from back-to-back podium finishes in last weekend's Valencia GP2 double-header, Sergio Perez delivered another strong performance for Telmex Arden International during qualifying for tomorrow's 26-lap race at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.

After being one of the quickest drivers in variable wet/dry conditions during this morning's free practice, the Mexican posted a strong 1m 55.210s lap to annexe seventh place on the grid. In an ultra-competitive session, his best time was just 0.240s shy of pole position.

Things did not run quite so smoothly for team-mate Edoardo Mortara. The Italian was feeling unwell throughout the session and will line up only 20th.

Sergio: "Today went well. We had good pace in wet and dry conditions, so I'm hoping for the best tomorrow. If we can improve the car a little bit and put together a good race, there's no reason we can't win tomorrow. That's the aim."

Edoardo: "I don't know what the problem is, but I woke up at 2am and felt very sick. I couldn't get much more sleep and the fever has got worse throughout the day. Practice went OK on reflection, but afterwards I felt really terrible -- it didn't help that there are so many hills here.

"Qualifying was pretty close and, all things considered, I don't think it was too bad to be only 1.3 seconds from pole. It's a real shame, because I was so excited about this weekend and driving a GP2 car around this fantastic circuit. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow."

-credit: arden