Diniz calls for Sauber to improve qualifying

"The car was unreliable last year but it is reliable this year which is a good thing," he said. "It is very difficult to score points this season. McLaren and Ferrari take the front four places and that means Benetton, Jordan, Jaguar and everyone are fighting for two places. You need luck to score points especially when you are in our position."

Diniz has failed to score a single point in the last 12 months while team-mate Mika Salo has finished three of the last six races in the points.

"The team is making progress, this year's car is much better. In the races we are quite competitive but missing a bit in qualifying. It is something we have to work to improve qualifying and make it easier to score points," he added.

The Brazilian brushed off questions about his future, saying "I am not sure yet. There is a good possibility to stay at Sauber but I am not sure yet. Everybody talking to everybody as usual - there is nothing I can tell you."

Diniz is one of only seven drivers on the 22-car grid yet to score points including both Prost drivers, the Minardi duo, Johnny Herbert at Jaguar and Alexander Wurz at Benetton.