Glock welcomes surprising top ten effort

"I did everything I could today and I am happy with eighth place," said Glock, who made it to Q3 for the second consecutive time.

"My lap in Q2 was very good and it was a pleasant surprise to be so competitive because we have had a few difficulties earlier in the weekend.

"We have improved the stability of the car quite a bit because it was not ideally suited to the bumpy surface, so it was very satisfying to qualifying in the top 10.

"It is a real challenge to get a perfect lap in qualifying here because the grip levels change from corner to corner and the weather conditions are extreme - it is very hot in the cockpit.

"I expect overtaking will be very difficult here so we are in a good position for the race. I am pleased with this result."

The German outqualified teammate Jarno Trulli, who missed the cut to go into Q3 as he continued to struggle with grip problems.

Trulli will start from 11th position.

"That was a difficult and frustrating qualifying session for me," the Italian said. "I didn't get the grip or the feel from the car that I wanted and that is why I didn't make it to Q3.

"We have been struggling a bit all weekend on this track and we are not helped by the bumps, but it is still disappointing not to qualify in the top 10. I did my best but the laptime just wasn't there. I will push as hard as possible tomorrow and we will see what we can do."