Trulli Blames Rain for Poor Result

Italian Jarno Trulli blamed a rain shower for his disappointing performance in today's qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"The brief rain shower ruined my qualifying lap," said the Renault driver, who completed his flying lap when a light rain fell on the Hungaroring track.

"The first sector was dry, and I was very quick, then I got to the second sector and felt that the car was sliding more because it was damp. The lack of grip caused my mistake in the chicane at turns six and seven, and then I tried to be as quick as possible in the final sector.

"I didn't expect to be ninth on the grid in Hungary, and I think it will make tomorrow's race a tough one for me."

Last year's winner Spaniard Fernando Alonso was fifth fastest nearly a second behind pole setter Michael Schumacher. Alonso had started from pole position last year.

"The grip levels of the circuit changed a lot for me between the first and second sessions, which was a bit of a surprise," said Alonso. "I attacked as hard as possible, but after my lap I had the impression that it could have been better. The R24 was well-balanced and it handled very well.

"If I can make a good start from fifth position, then I think we can have an interesting race."