Heidfeld targets top six finish

The German beat both Renault drivers to take the 'best of the rest' honours, and he even spilt the McLarens before David Coulthard improved late on.

"I'm really happy," he admitted. "Given the strength of the three top teams, seventh place feels as good as pole position. My car was really good today, and I might have gone even quicker if I hadn't lost a couple of tenths on the grass on my best lap. It's going to be difficult to challenge the people ahead tomorrow, but I'm confident for the race. I think we'll be okay for some more points."

Team-mate Felipe Massa starts from just outside of the top 10 after losing valuable set up time in free practice with a hydraulics problem. Team boss Peter Sauber was full of praise for the efforts of both his drivers.

"Another seventh place in qualifying is a good feeling, especially as it is in front of strong competitors," he said. "It's a fantastic job by Nick and the team. After Friday Felipe had anticipated qualifying higher than 11th, but it's still a good place to start and his time will come."