Fisichella celebrates 'unbelievable' pole

In a surprising qualifying session, Fisichella gave his Force India team its maiden pole position in Formula 1.

Ironically it was also the first time Fisichella had made it to Q3 with Force India.

The pole position was the fourth of his career for the 36-year-old Italian and the first one since the 2006 Malaysian Grand Prix.

"It is unbelievable, I didn't expect pole position, especially after yesterday," said the Roman, who has been linked with a move to Ferrari to replace Luca Badoer at Monza.

"I was quite surprised because there was a lot of understeer and the measures of downforce levels. We went through the problems this morning and the car was much better, an in qualifying it was much better than expected.

"I was quickest in Q1, fourth in Q2, and then pole position. It is fantastic, I am so happy. I didn't expect that result, so I am really happy and looking forward to tomorrow."

He added: "This is one of the my favourite circuits, I did well in the past and I was sure to be competitive this year but I didn't expect to be on pole.

"I am so happy for myself, for the team, my engineers, everybody. They did a fantastic job, and a fantastic step forward, especially from the last race. Considering our budget I didn't expect that.

"We were confident for sure to be top 15, and maybe top 10, but to be on pole position we didn't expect that. In Q1 I was quick, in Q2 fourth quickest so we played to do pole and I am on pole."

Fisichella admitted his team had opted for an aggressive fuel strategy but, after setting the fourth fastest time in the second qualifying segment, the Italian is adamant his car still has strong race pace.

"Actually I think we are a little bit aggressive," he said. "We knew for the top three it was important to do that, but don't forget I was fourth quickest in Q2. We are not so slow."