2008 British Grand Prix Qualifying and Final Free Practice
Report
Adrian Sutil (car 20, VJM01/02):
FP3: 17th 1:23.049 (22 laps)
Q1: 19th 1:21.786 (9 laps)
Giancarlo Fisichella (car 21, VJM01/05):
FP3: 18th 1:23.112 (21 laps)
Q1: 20th 1:21.885 (8 laps)
Qualifying for this weekend's British Grand Prix took place
in typical British summertime weather: cloudy skies, showers
and interspersed sunny periods. As a result, the first 20
minutes of the session were an exciting affair as teams gambled
on track conditions and the timing of flying laps.
Force India Formula One Team's gamble of putting in a series
of laps in the opening 10 minutes, when the weather was dry,
and then a final flying lap in the dying minute following
a brief shower, so nearly paid dividends. Giancarlo Fisichella
looked set to move himself into the top 15 on his very last
lap, until a spin in the last sector put paid to his chance.
The Italian will start in 20th position, with team-mate Adrian
Sutil just ahead in 19th.
Demonstrating however the improvements resulting from the
new aero and mechanical package the duo were just three tenths
from making it to Q2 for the first time this season and less
than half a second from the top 10. With heavy rain predicted
throughout race day tomorrow, the team will look to make up
positions in what could be a thrilling British Grand Prix.
Adrian Sutil (car 20)
'It was quite a good qualifying for us as I think we could
get nearly all the performance out of the car, although we
had a little problem with graining on the front tyres that
cost us a little bit of time. There is a better trend at the
moment; we have a new update on the car, it works well and
we are not too far away from the others - only about two tenths.'
Giancarlo Fisichella (car 21)
'Unfortunately I had a problem with the engine cover during
the session and I lost some downforce as the right side of
the car was in a bad position. That said, I was only three
tenths away from Q2 so it's not too bad considering.'
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer
'An exciting qualifying session with the threat of rain throughout.
As we expected we had clearly made a step forward to the group
in front, but unfortunately just not quite enough this time
out. Giancarlo had a problem with a loose piece of bodywork
that we weren't able to fix during the session as he got scrutineered
twice. Then, on his last lap, which probably would have been
enough to put him very close to Q2, he unfortunately spun
in the complex at the end of the lap. While it is disappointing
that we just missed out on Q2, it is encouraging that we are
closer.'
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