Delighted Fisichella Praises Sauber

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella praised his Sauber team for providing him with what he said was the best car he has driven so far this year.

Fisichella charged from the back of the grid to finish in a strong sixth position at today's British Grand Prix. The Italian had started from last place after deciding not to set a time in qualifying following an engine change on Friday.

"I was so confident in my car today," admitted Fisichella. "I knew that I had a very quick one and when I was running on my own it was fantastic. Early on I was able to overtake several cars that were carrying less fuel than I was.

"At the end I lost time in my final stop as the mechanics topped up my engine's pneumatics, and without that I would easily have beaten Montoya. Honestly, the car is really good and I am very encouraged that we have made such a big step forward.

"Today I had the best car I have had all season, so thanks to the whole team."

Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa was also delighted with the speed of his car, although the young Sauber driver was left with mixed feelings after missing out on a points finish.

"You know, I could be really disappointed because I had a car that should have scored points today, but I am also very happy because we have made such an improvement in its behaviour," said Massa, ninth today. "It was very fast and consistent all race.

"Then I had what I think was a software problem in my stop on lap 38, and initially I couldn't get first gear. Towards the end when I was challenging Webber I deliberately dropped back a little and then really pushed him hard in the closing laps.

"My car was much faster than his, but overtaking is always very difficult here."