Sauber admits it hoped for more

Giancarlo Fisichella will start fifth and team-mate Felipe Massa eighth, but worsening weather conditions worked against the Swiss privateer team.

"It was a very strong qualifying session for us," said Sauber. "We actually had bad luck, however, as the rain worsened just before Giancarlo and Felipe went out. I believe that each of them will start a row further back than they really deserve to. Nevertheless, we are looking forward to a strong race performance whatever the conditions."

Fisichella said: "Given that the rain spoiled our chances of a really high grid placing today, I think fifth is a very strong performance. But I feel unlucky that just before I went out we had to switch from wets to extreme wets as the rain increased. That cost us performance, for sure. In the dry yesterday we were very strong, however, so I am optimistic for the race as the forecast predicts a dry day tomorrow."

Massa added: "By the time I went out for my qualifying lap the track was completely wet and I got lots of wheelspin whenever I encountered any white lines. But I am quite happy in such extraordinary circumstances with eighth place. It's good that both cars are comfortably in the top 10, and I'm really looking forward to scoring some points."