Sauber Duo Rue Traffic Problems

Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld claimed that problems with the traffic in today's qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix stopped him from achieving a better result.

The German driver was one of several men to lose one run following a massive crash by Toyota driver Allan McNish, which forced the session to be red-flagged and delayed for more than an hour as a barrier was repaired.

Heidfeld qualified in 12th position, but claimed he could have been higher up but for the problems with traffic and an error during his last run.

"My biggest problem this afternoon was that I never got four clean runs," said Heidfeld after the session. "I lost my second timed lap because it was the one on which Allan McNish had his accident, but of course I'm pleased to hear that he is okay.

"On my next one I got held up by Michael (Schumacher), and my best was my last run, which I spoiled with a mistake near the end. I also had a problem with the tyres graining from the Spoon Curve onwards.

"So overall it could have been a lot better, but at least we know that we have improved the car significantly since yesterday."

Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa posted the 15th quickest time on his first visit to the Suzuka circuit, but the young rookie also complained of traffic problems.

"I'm very disappointed with the way things went this afternoon," admitted the Brazilian. "The balance of my car wasn't as good as it had been this morning, when the car felt pretty neutral, and my second run was spoiled by the McLarens.

"I set my time on my third run, but my last one looked pretty good for the first two sectors until the tyres started graining. By the time I got to the chicane I had too much understeer and wasn't able to improve."