Fisichella Laments Bad Luck

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella lamented his bad luck after he was forced to use extreme weather tyres in today's qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Sauber driver had to complete his flying lap when the rain at the Spa circuit intensified, and although most of his rivals drove on a dryer track, Fisichella still managed to post the fifth quickest time of the day.

"Given that the rain spoiled our chances of a really high grid placing today, I think fifth is a very strong performance," said Fisichella. "But I feel unlucky that just before I went out we had to switch from wets to extreme wets as the rain increased.

"That cost us performance, for sure. In the dry yesterday we were very strong, however, so I am optimistic for the race as the forecast predicts a dry day tomorrow."

Teammate Felipe Massa was also hindered by the heavier rain, the Brazilian finishing in eighth position.

"Between Juan Pablo Montoya and our runs the track got much wetter, so we were rather unlucky today," Massa said. "By the time I went out for my qualifying lap the track was completely wet and I got lots of wheelspin whenever I encountered any white lines.

"But I am quite happy in such extraordinary circumstances with eighth place, because I know that we have a good set-up, wet or dry, for the race tomorrow. It's good that both cars are comfortably in the top 10, and I'm really looking forward to scoring some points."