Di Resta says not running in Q3 was the best strategy for the race

The Scot decided against going out in the final qualifying segment in order to save tyres for the race.

He will start from 10th position.

"Getting two cars in the top ten was the objective today and that's what we achieved," said di Resta. "We made some good progress this morning perfecting the set-up and I was happy with the car in qualifying. Q1 and Q2 went well and we got the job done by getting in the top ten.

"Our approach to Q3 was to give us the optimum strategy for tomorrow. For the race we are definitely hoping for points because our focus is to maintain our sixth place in the championship.

"I'm really looking forward to this race because the place looks spectacular at night. It's also nice to drive in twilight conditions when it's a bit cooler."

Team-mate Adrian Sutil qualified right in front, the German also waiting in the garage to see if rival Mercedes would run in Q3.

In the end Sutil completed one run but said it was not ideal.

"I'm happy with ninth place today and it was a good session for me," Sutil said. "In Q3 we waited a bit longer than planned because we wanted to wait and see what Mercedes did.

"In the end they decided to go out so I also went out and I did a timed lap. The lap was a little bit compromised because I didn't get the tyres fully up to temperature, so maybe I could have been a bit higher up. Still, I don't think we can complain too much because P9 is a fair reflection of our pace at the moment."