Ralf blames traffic for missing cut

The Toyota driver, who has been struggling with his car so far this season, will start tomorrow's race from 18th place after being unable to complete a clear lap during the first session.

"The whole weekend has been far from perfect for us," admitted the German, whose team have been hindered by suspension problems this weekend.

"Yesterday's problems meant that we could not make the most of practice. Still we expected more this afternoon but the traffic meant that I just didn't get a clear lap and that's all there was to it.

"For my last run four cars came out of the box in front of me and they were in the way. Then on the second lap I had another car in front of me the whole way round.

"It's a pity because there has been potential this weekend and in yesterday's first practice session I was able to put in some reasonable lap times. It will be a hard race but anything can happen at this circuit so we'll do what we can to gain some positions tomorrow."

Despite the problems that meant Toyota lost track time ahead of qualifying, teammate Jarno Trulli had a promising day, qualifying in the top ten.

The Italian admitted it was the best he could have achieved.

"That was about as fast as I could have gone today so I'm very happy with that, even if we would have liked to be further forward," said Trulli. "We've clearly been hampered by all the problems we had yesterday and the limited amount of running we had during practice.

"We lost a bit of time avoiding the kerb at Turn 8 but given everything that has happened we got away with a good result today. I was really pleased with my lap to get through Q2.

"The race is another story but this is an interesting circuit and a race where people can drop out so you have to hang on and make the finish. There will be a full house tomorrow so there will be a good atmosphere and we will aim for a better result."