Mercedes satisfied with qualifying

Bruno Spengler was nearly four tenths of a second adrift of Timo Scheider's pole time, but the Canadian will start third on the grid, with HWA teammate Paul di Resta alongside him on the second row.

However, Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug believes that they have made progress from free practice, where the four brand new Audi A4s were dominant.

"I expected a much worse result after yesterday," he said. "We weren't that strong from the beginning, but we have taken a step in the right direction. Basically, I am relaxed and happy.

"Of course, Audi was dominant and better, so congratulations to them. We need to get our act together, but if we make another step like we did today, then I think we should be OK."

Spengler added that he expects Mercedes to be in better shape for the race than they were in qualifying trim.

"I guess Audi just found a bit more grip for qualifying," he said. "On one side there is disappointment because you are always pushing hard for pole position, and unfortunately it didn't work today.

"But the weekend is very long, we are only 50 per cent of the way through it. A lot of things can happen in the race, and I think we have a strong package."