Sauber Drivers Pleased Despite Slow Pace

Both Felipe Massa and Sauber teammate Nick Heidfeld were pleased with their day's work in today's practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix despite finishing near the bottom of the times.

Brazilian Massa, racing in front of his home crowd for the first time in a Formula One car, wound up 17th quickest after concentrating on the set-up of his Petronas-powered C21 for Sunday's race.

The young driver, who scored his first point in Malaysia two weeks ago, was happy with his car despite his time.

"We made a good start to our race preparation today," Massa said. "The track wasn't as dirty and difficult to drive as some others suggested, though everyone struggled for traction and grip.

"The balance of my car was very good and of course we will go quicker tomorrow when we optimise the set-up for qualifying. I'm happy with the progress we have made so far."

Teammate Heidfeld, who scored his first and so far only podium finish at Interlagos last year, was only a fraction slower than Massa, finishing the session in 18th position.

"The car was good to start with today but we need to improve the balance further," said Heidfeld. "Everything we did today was a step in the right direction, however, and my initial impression is that Bridgestone's new tyres are an improvement in the high track temperatures that we experienced."