Fisichella Delighted Despite Engine Problem

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella was delighted with the pace of his Sauber in today's practice for the British Grand Prix.

The Sauber driver was second fastest, just five thousandths of a second behind McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen.

Fisichella's day, however, was bittersweet, his car finding its pace only after the engine was changed in the morning - a move imposing a 10-place penalty on the starting grid after Saturday's qualifying.

"I am very pleased, as we have taken a big step forward," said the Italian. "The team has done a fantastic job, and if you look what we have achieved with the car since Melbourne it is excellent. This step here in Silverstone is probably the biggest of them all.

"The car is very well balanced and stable, and I was able to do a very good lap time. I am really, really optimistic, even though my engine problem this morning means that I will lose 10 grid places tomorrow afternoon.

"The same thing happened at Nurburgring, and we still scored points there, so I'm really looking forward to the race."

Sauber's good day was completed by Felipe Massa's tenth quickest time.

"Honestly, I am very happy with my lap time," said Massa. "I used my new tyres early in the session to do a long run, so my lap was achieved on old rubber whereas Giancarlo used his new tyres at the end.

"The car is well balanced, very consistent and very stable, and I am feeling very optimistic. It is great to know we have such a competitive car."