Speed hoping for wet Chinese GP

The Toro Rosso driver will start tomorrow's race from 11th position, his strongest result since making his Formula One debut at the start of the season.

American Speed survived a scare in the opening session, but then went on to shine, nearly making it to the final shootout.

Now the Toro Rosso driver is hoping for more rain on Sunday.

"I had a big aquaplaning moment on my first lap, then I spun and hit the wall coming into the pits and the guys had to push the car into the garage to check for damage, so just getting back out there was a surprise," said Speed.

"The track was very wet, but the intermediate tyres were definitely the quickest choice except that the slightest bit off line and you were aquaplaning.

"There were like two little tracks appearing on the surface and you just aimed for them as you were braking and if you missed them, you did what I did.

"It is a great result for the guys in the team and a strong start position for tomorrow. We always said we wanted a wet race to give us a chance and so I'd like it to rain again tomorrow."

Teammate Tonio Liuzzi completed a strong day for the Toro Rosso team by posting the 14th fastest time.

"Unfortunately, there was more water on the track and the grip level changed and the car set-up was no longer quite the right one," said Liuzzi. "Before that the car had been good but the extra rain meant extra oversteer.

"This was a particular problem in Turns 7 and 8 and I think that lost us the chance of getting into the top ten. I hope the weather stays like this for tomorrow as I think we can be competitive in these conditions."