Fisichella Hampered by Gearbox Problem

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella will start tomorrow's San Marino Grand Prix from the back of the grid after the Sauber driver did not complete his flying lap in today's qualifying.

Fisichella, who had been an impressive sixth quickest in the opening qualifying session, received a penalty for ignoring warning flags in morning practice, which would have meant an additional second to his qualifying time.

However, the Italian did not even go out for his second flying lap due to a problem with his car's gearbox.

"I'm really disappointed, he said. "We made progress with the car today and it was better balanced than yesterday and slightly better on the first lap on new tyres. In pre-qualifying I thought I did a very good lap, but on my in lap I felt a problem with third gear.

"Unfortunately there wasn't enough time to change it before qualifying, so here I am at the back of the grid. It's my home race, and I knew it will be very tough starting that far back..."

Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa enjoyed a better day and will start the race from 12th position.

"I was happier with the car today," admitted Massa. "I made a mistake in pre-qualifying, otherwise my lap would have been better, but everything went well for me in qualifying and given the strategy we have chosen I am satisfied with my performance this afternoon. Our car will be more competitive in the race."