Reality Check for Verstappen and Minardi

The Minardi Formula One team were brought back to reality in today's final qualifying for the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours.

Dutchman Jos Verstappen benefitted from the weather conditions to set the fastest time in first qualifying yesterday, with teammate Justin Wilson finishing second before his time was disallowed due to his car being underweight.

Today's final qualifying, however, was very different for the Formula One minnows, with Verstappen finishing in 19th position and Wilson qualifying last.

"It's back to reality today, but we knew that was always going to be the case," admitted Verstappen. "I was pleased with the lap I did. I drove on the limit, there weren't any mistakes, and I'm happy with the result."

Briton Wilson had a troubled day after he was forced to use the spare car for his qualifying run following a problem with his own machine in the warm-up.

"It was a bit hectic just before qualifying, when I had to jump into the T-car, which was set up for Jos," said Wilson. "The important thing, though, was that we got a lap in, as yesterday's didn't count.

"I was told not to be too concerned with the lap time and just ensure that we qualified for tomorrow's race, which is what I did. Now we'll see what happens tomorrow."