Fisi fights his way to sixth

The Italian says that aerodynamic changes to his Sauber has transformed its handling, and reckoned that he would have finished fifth but for a tardy second pitstop caused by the need to top-up his car's pneumatic system.

"I was so confident in my car today," said 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."

Team-mate Felipe Massa just missed out on a point in ninth place, crossing the line just three-tenths of a second behind Jaguar's Mark Webber.

"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. "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."