Super Aguri duo upbeat despite problems

Both mean made it to the second part of qualifying easily, but were then hit by trouble, with Sato stopping on track with a fuel-related issue.

The Japanese driver will start from 13th place.

"It is disappointing how we finished Q2; not being able to start my second run as I stopped out on track with a fuel issue," said Sato. "However, we made good progress with the car through the practice session and into Q1 and both cars appeared to be running competitively.

"It is a shame that we were not able to carry over our momentum from the morning, but nevertheless we have had a good day and I believe that we should be able to have a strong race tomorrow."

Davidson, meanwhile, failed to set a time in Q2 after being caught out by the wind and spinning.

Despite that, the Briton was encouraged by his team's pace.

"After setting a good time in the morning I felt confident in the car and that I could do it again in qualifying," Davidson said. "Getting through to Q2 was good as we weren't really expecting it and thought it was going to be a bit harder than it turned out to be.

"But in Q2 I got caught out out by wind at Turn 9 and ended up spinning off and not managing to get a flying lap at all, which was frustrating. However, the speed is in the car and we know we've got a good balance from yesterday's work, so I am looking forward to the race."