Sutil hopeful of stronger race pace

"It was difficult to put together the perfect lap out there, but I am happy with the performance and can improve tomorrow for sure," said the Spyker driver after posting the 20th fastest time.

"We worked on the car in the first practice session and as the track conditions did not change a whole lot to the afternoon, we knew what to expect.

"I think we're in pretty good shape for the race, we've got to try to make a good start and overtake in the first corner to get some cars behind us, but the goal's got to be to get through the race without any mistakes," added the German rookie, who outqualified his more experienced teammate Christijan Albers for the second time this season.

Albers was slowest in today's session after struggling with the handling of his car.

"The first outing in the practice session this morning was a little bit difficult and we changed a few things for qualifying, although I still found it difficult to turn in and I lost some time there," he said.

"It's disappointing to be at the back again, but we know that during the race we've more of a chance of staying with the field."