Belgian Grand Prix: Kamui Kobayashi stunned to qualify second for Sauber

The Sauber driver secured the best starting spot of his Formula 1 career at Spa Francorchamps, his Q3 time good enough to put him on the front row next to polesitter Jenson Button.

But Kobayashi admitted that while he was ecstatic with the result, it was an unexpected one.

"Spa is one of our favourite tracks, but we didn't expect to be second," he said.

"Normally we struggle in qualifying and in the race we are not really worried, but this is where we wanted to improve.

"This is our favourite circuit, but we didn't expect second.

"I think we have a great opportunity for tomorrow so this is really a good restart for the rest of the season. We need to be really strong in qualifying and in this break, the guys did some great work. We had a chat with them and we are happy to be here and confident. It is great."

Kobayashi says he is now focused on the race, and making the most of his good starting position.

"I always focus on Sunday, not qualifying, so this is a good point but I want to focus more on tomorrow," he added.

"If we can get on podium tomorrow then that is something good.

"We need to look at tyre management, we need to take a little bit of care, and we need to finish the race."