Sears Point: Justin Wilson qualifying report

Justin to start 7th at Infineon Raceway

Justin will head the fourth row of the grid in the PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma County. In the 02 McDonald's car, he recorded the 7th fastest qualifying time at Infineon Raceway. The time of 1:17.0056s (107.665 mph) was not quick enough to progress through to the shoot-out for pole. Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing team-mate Graham Rahal will start 15th. Pole position was secured by Helio Castroneves for Team Penske.

This is the first time Justin has failed to make the Firestone Fast Six this season. "I thought we had the potential" he said; "The McDonald's car was quick but just a little difficult to drive. It was right on the edge all the way around so we couldn't quite put a lap together."

Explaining that strategy will play an important part in the race, Justin commented: "I think we have the performance to gain some spots but I don't think this track lends itself to overtaking. We'll need to have a smart race, stay out of trouble and keep picking them off one at a time. Maybe we can overtake but it's only if somebody makes a mistake. We've seen a lot of people go off around here. It's a tough track. The better your car is the more fuel you can save and the more chance you have of passing people in the pits. We just need to make sure the car is good tomorrow morning in the warm-up."

-credit: justinwilson.co.uk