'Fabulous result' for Toyota

The team looked impressively fast in pre-season testing at the circuit, but has struggled to find its form in the early races of the season. However, that testing has now paid off, and the team is hopeful it can continue its form into tomorrow's final qualifying session.

"We have tested here a lot over the winter like most of the other teams and, on the basis of this first qualifying result, it appears to have been very beneficial for us," said Toyota team manager Ange Pasquali. "To have two cars in the top six is a fabulous result and I hope we can continue like this tomorrow."

Cristiano da Matta qualified an impressive fourth, but thinks there is more to come from the car. "I am very pleased with my qualifying run," he said. "It was a good, clean lap and the car performed well. We now have to sit down and find out what areas still need improving before tomorrow's practice and qualifying. Overall, I am very happy with today's performance and fourth place is definitely good for starters."