Trulli satisfied with eighth grid spot

The Italian, who had a very consistent afternoon by setting the eighth fastest time in all three qualifying stages, made use of the T-car today after being unhappy with his car in Friday's free practice.

"First of all I have to thank all the team for doing a great job," he said. "We swapped to the T-car because I wasn't happy after yesterday's practice sessions. So that was a big effort from them and it's good to give them a good result today in return for that hard work.

"Today the car felt pretty good, and we improved the set-up. I was in P8 in all three qualifying sessions so that is where I'll be tomorrow."

Trulli believes the conditions of the tyres will be decisive in the race at the Interlagos track.

He said: "The race will be interesting because managing the tyres will play a major role for the race results. So it will be important to be lucky with the tyres, hope not to have too much graining and try to live with it.

"We will do our best and try to give ourselves a boost as we head into the winter."

Trulli's teammate Ralf Schumacher, who recently announced this will be his final race for the Japanese manufacturer, blamed himself for qualifying only 15th.

The German, however, is hopeful to be able to make up ground in the race.

"I didn't have any particular problems in Q2," said Schumacher. "The traffic was fine and the car felt reasonable enough. I just simply didn't get it right this time which is a pity but that's the way it goes sometimes.

"Tomorrow is the race and I will do the best job I can from where I am on the grid. It's not a great place to be on the grid but we'll see what we can do.

"The good thing is that it is possible to overtake here so we will do everything possible to make up ground during the race. We haven't had many results to celebrate lately but we will push for a better day to finish off the year."