Daniel Ricciardo sure Q3 was possible for Toro Rosso at Silverstone

But the Toro Rosso driver said that the yellow flags at the end of the session meant he was unable to improve, being knocked out in Q2.

The Australian will start from 14th position, but he believes Toro Rosso's pace is stronger than that.

"Unfortunately, after the restart I didn't manage to get through to the top 10, where we had been before the red flag," said Ricciardo. "I am sure I was affected by the yellow flag for [Romain] Grosjean's spin on the last lap, because without it I would have have been into Q3.

"Our pace is better than our position would have you believe, therefore, as I said on Friday, if we have a wet race, which seems likely, I think we can do well tomorrow, when I will be racing hard.

"The car seems to work well in the wet, but starting in the midfield there will be a lot of spray to contend with, so there are pros and cons to racing in the rain."

Team-mate Jean-Eric Verge qualified in 16th position, but the Frenchman also felt going into Q3 was possible.

"I am disappointed, as I feel I could have got into Q3 today," he said. "I hope we have a wet race tomorrow, because although I will be starting from the back, everything is possible in these conditions and I hope I can make the most of the fact our car is working well in the wet, to have a good race."