Happy Firman Hails Qualifying Lap

British rookie Ralph Firman was delighted with his lap in final qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit.

Firman, a former Formula Nippon champion who had raced several times at the Japanese track, outqualified his Jordan teammate Giancarlo Fisichella for the second time this year on his way to 15th place on the grid for the final race of the season.

"That was possibly one of my best laps all year," said Firman. "This is the only circuit where I feel I am on equal terms with Giancarlo and everyone else because I know it well. We also know the car really well by the end of the season and we found a good balance today.

"I'm really happy with it and it's worked well although obviously we'd like to be quicker. Hopefully if it rains tomorrow it could be a good weekend for us. I like this circuit because it's challenging and you have to have confidence at every corner to be fast. It's great to be racing here again."

Italian Fisichella, in his last race with Jordan, is also hoping for a wet Grand Prix after posting the 16th fastest time.

"I'm a bit frustrated with how it's gone so far especially as it's my last weekend with Jordan," said Fisichella. "We are not quick enough for some reason â€" I don't know why, but it isn't good. Anyway, I hear that tomorrow may be wet and I'm hoping it will be, as that would give us a better chance."