Da Matta earns best-ever grid slot

By contrast, team-mate Olivier Panis struggled to 17th position, out qualifying only the Minardi duo. The Frenchman attributed his poor position to a different strategy.

"I didn't expect to be so high up on the grid, let alone getting my best ever qualifying result of the season," said da Matta. "During the lap, I already felt it was going to be a good one.

"We have made some improvements over the weekend, but there is still a problem with the grip level and we still have a big margin to improve. My driving at this track has been getting better and better and I am very pleased with my lap today."

The decision to run Panis on a different strategy came after the Frenchman struggled in practice this morning. "I was really not happy with the car, so we decided to opt for a strategy that is more focussed towards our performance in the race, rather than in qualifying.

"With this in mind, I am pleased with my qualifying lap and we will wait to see how things turn out tomorrow."