Fisichella Targets Top Ten Grid Slot

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella is targeting a top ten spot on the grid for Sunday's inaugural Chinese Grand Prix.

The Sauber driver enjoyed a positive Friday practice, finishing as sixth quickest despite suffering from graining on his Bridgestone tyres.

"I'm quite happy, and it's been a good day," said Fisichella. "We are going in the right direction, and the balance is getting better and better. We had a graining problem, but considering that this is the first day on a new track it is encouraging.

"I'm optimistic for a start in the first four or five rows tomorrow."

Fisichella's teammate Felipe Massa also struggled with tyre graining, but the Brazilian too was confident of a strong weekend after posting the 12th fastest time of the day.

"I was on a really good first run with the fastest first and second sector times until Sato had his engine failure," said Massa. "After that I still managed the fastest time at one stage. The car is quite competitive, and though we were struggling a little with tyre graining that will improve when the circuit gets more rubber down tomorrow.

"It's a really nice track. Turn One is very technical, the two quick corners are great fun and I can see some good overtaking opportunities. My first impressions are even better than I expected."