Nakajima thrilled with career-best start

The Japanese driver had earlier been second in final practice before going fastest of all in Q1 and then beating his highly-rated team-mate Nico Rosberg in Q3.

"Fifth is the best qualifying result I've had so far so I'm really happy," said Nakajima. "After yesterday's practice, I thought we could be quite strong today because the car is working really well here.

"We seem to have taken a step forward so many thanks to the team as they've brought a really good upgrade package to this race."

He said he would not get too carried away with his expectations for the race.

"To be sitting in fifth position on the grid and racing on my favourite track tomorrow is great and my goal will be to have a solid race and score some points for the team," Nakajima said.

Rosberg felt he could have got more out of the car on his qualifying lap, but was pleased that the team appeared to have gained ground in Britain.

"On the one hand, I'm pleased because we've made progress with the car and are looking competitive," he said.

"On the other hand, it wasn't the perfect day for me today because I didn't manage to get the best out of the car in Q3.

"I'm still really pleased with where we are with the car, though. The team has done a fantastic job, even on this track which is normally one of the most challenging for us.

"Being in fifth and seventh shows we're up there and, with a strong strategy tomorrow, we should score points. And that was a good job by Kazuki who's been quick all weekend here. I'll try to catch him tomorrow."