Pantano Positive after Outqualifying Heidfeld

Italian rookie Giorgio Pantano was happy after outqualifying his Jordan teammate Nick Heidfeld ahead of tomorrow's San Marino Grand Prix.

"I'm feeling a little bit more positive at this race because I'm getting much closer to my teammate and that is the important thing for me," said Pantano, who qualified in 15th place.

"I think we have also made some changes which have improved the car a bit, and the gap between us and the cars in front is getting smaller. A few more races and hopefully we can close it even more. I'm happy with my qualifying and really looking forward to racing tomorrow."

Pantano finished right in front of Heidfeld, who had to settle for 16th position despite hoping to be closer to the cars in front. The German was over 1.5 seconds behind the Jaguar of Christian Klien, who qualified ahead of both Jordans.

"I think my qualifying lap was not too bad although half way through I started to lose a bit of grip, with oversteer affecting the rest of the lap," he said. "Otherwise, we have some new things and the car has improved since the last race.

"I would have hoped to have been even closer to the cars ahead of us but we just have to keep working hard to close the gap."