Sauber Drivers Again Hit by Tyre Problems

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella was satisfied with his day's work in Thursday's practice for the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Sauber driver, however, again complained of problems with his tyres.

"Things could be good, but our problem today was the rear tyres graining quite badly," explained Fisichella, 14th fastest today. "Ironically, in view of what our experience has been so far this year, the tyres were good on the first lap, but grained after that."

Fisichella, who scored his first points of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago, outpaced his Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa. The young Sauber driver wound up 17th quickest after suffering the same problem with the rear tyres.

"We worked hard today on gathering data to make the right tyre choice," said Massa. "On a long run the balance of the car was not too bad. I had some graining on the rears, but you expect that here when the track is still green, and I'm sure the track will be better on Saturday.

"Unfortunately on my quick lap I made a mistake at Ste Devote and locked the front wheels, so I lost some time there."