Fisi targets Silverstone repeat

The Sauber ace, who is believed to be on the verge of announcing a deal with Renault for 2005 (see separate story), brought smiles and claps from his team members by setting the 14th quickest time in Saturday's final qualifying at Hockenheim.

The Italian is brimming with confidence driving the improved C23 and with the heavy fuel on board is predicting another strong result tomorrow.

"Our qualifying positions are what we expected with the fuel load we were carrying, but it's important that one of the Toyotas will start behind us," he said. "It will also be important to get by the Jaguars as soon as possible tomorrow, then get on with our race. We know that our tyres are very good in race conditions, and I was very pleased with the balance.

"With all that in mind, we have the potential to repeat the result we had at Silverstone so I am feeling relaxed and optimistic."

Team-mate Felipe Massa will line up behind Fisichella on the grid and, like the Italian, is bullish ahead of Sunday's race.

"I think I drove a good lap this afternoon. The balance was good and everything went according to our strategy. Usually if you see P16 it is very bad but in our case appearances are deceptive and we will be strong tomorrow. It's difficult to overtake here but not impossible, so we have a great chance to be in the points."