Sutil hopeful of better race result

The Force India driver qualified down in 19th place, but was just a second off the fastest time after a very close session.

Now the German is hoping to make up places in the race.

"It was very close again today," said Sutil. "I'm quite happy with my performance as I did some really good laps and the last one was particularly on the edge. I don't think there was any more we could do.

"We were just one second from pole, which was very good and competitive but still not enough. Let's see what the race brings now, we are quick in a straight line and I think there is a chance to make up some places."

Teammate Giancarlo Fisichella was also encouraged by his team's form despite a disappointing day, in which the veteran racer finished at the bottom of the times.

Fisichella said however that a better result was possible.

"I could improve my time quite a lot from the first run, but on my final run I hit some traffic on the out lap and couldn't warm up the tyres in the cool conditions," the Italian said.

"Unfortunately I locked up into turn one and lost a lot of time there, so even though the rest of the lap was OK it was never going to be quick.

"It's a shame but we are still very close to the fastest times. Tomorrow's race will be exciting - you never know what the weather will bring, so we'll look to have a good strategy and try to make up places when we can."