Happy Fisichella Eyeing Points Finish

Sauber driver Giancarlo Fisichella is hopeful of finishing in the points for the first time this season at tomorrow's Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Italian, in his first year with the Swiss squad, will start the race at the Sakhir circuit from 11th position following today's qualifying. Fisichella admitted he was delighted with with his car's handling and is confident of a top eight finish.

"I am much happier with everything today. I feel better physically, and the car was the best it's been for me all season," said Fisichella, who was suffering from fever on Friday. "The gap between me and those in front is also closer, and I did two good, clean qualifying laps this afternoon.

"We worked on the car all day and got a much better balance than yesterday, and I think we will be even closer to the front in the race. The target, of course, is to score points, and I think we can do this."

Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa finished down in 13th after making what he said was a big mistake during his flying lap.

"I made a huge mistake in the first corner, and then I went over the kerb in Turn Four and lost traction," admitted Massa. "The second and third sectors were okay, but by then the damage was done.

"It's really disappointing because we improved the car a lot over the first qualifying session, even though I lost track time this morning with a fuel pressure problem which didn't make it easy to get the car balanced.

"We tend to run better in the race, though, and I always think that I can score points, so I'll be going all out to achieve that tomorrow. It'll be fantastic if I can."