Heidfeld Happy with Third Row Spot

German Nick Heidfeld was a delighted man after completing his best qualifying performance of the 2002 season with his Petronas-powered Sauber.

The young Sauber star, who turned 25 on Friday, recovered well today from a difficult practice session on Friday, when he missed most of the second hour due to a problem with his car.

But Heidfeld boosted Sauber's chances of a fourth consecutive point-scoring finish in Austria by posting a brilliant fifth quickest time.

"This morning we were very competitive, which was pleasing after the track time I lost yesterday," said Heidfeld after the session. "Unfortunately I got held up by Button on my fourth lap. He was on his out lap and probably thought I was, too.

"But I'm happy to be fifth on the grid, and pleased with the performance of our latest Petronas engine. Since we are always strong in race trim I believe that the third row will be a very good place to start."

Teammate Felipe Massa was disappointed after missing out on fifth place, the young Brazilian admitting a mistake in his final run cost him dear. However, 21-year old rookie Massa was able to set the seventh fastest time, his best result so far in Formula One.

"I'm really disappointed that I couldn't hold on to fifth place after my third run, but on my last one I made another small mistake, otherwise I would have been even quicker, for sure," admitted Massa. "Seventh place is my best qualifying position so far, though."