Kubica surprised to outpace Heidfeld

Poland's Kubica, replacing Canadian Jacques Villeneuve at the German squad, made a strong debut as his country's first Formula One racer with ninth place and ahead of German teammate Heidfeld.

Kubica is now expecting a tough race tomorrow, and is just aiming to finish it.

"I know our potential and I think this is it," said Kubica. "I was really surprised to be quicker than Nick, which is not easy. In qualifying three I saw someone waving a yellow flag. It was not a marshal and from a distance I thought it was so I backed off, which meant my first sector was not very good.

"However, the gap to the car in front was too big and they may have a different strategy to us. It will be a tough race for me, but I am quite positive. Tomorrow I shall be happy if I can finish the race with good pace and good driving. I can be very critical of myself and if I feel it is good then it will be good."

Heidfeld was disappointed with his performance, but is optimistic he has the right tyres for tomorrow's race.

"I am a little disappointed as Robert has shown it was possible to go a bit faster, although we are only in the top ten because Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher were penalized," he said.

"When I went out for the first time Felipe Massa hampered my lap, as he was on his out lap when I came across him. In the second session the balance of the car was good on the first flying lap, then later the track's grip increased and I could not make use of it.

"The balance of the car just did not suit the changed conditions. Now we will see what we can do in the race, but I know we have chosen the right tyres."