Tagliani says top four was possible

The Canadian will start seventh in Australia, having looked on course for a slot in the Fast Six session until edged outside the cut-off point in the final moments.

"I think we showed that Conquest Racing is a very competitive team," said Tagliani.

"I also think we deserved a lot better than P7. We had a car that could easily be in the top four this afternoon. We definitely should have been in the top six in qualifying.

"Our position in the pits, being at the end of pit lane, hurt us quite a bit. It made qualifying pretty difficult because we were quick, but other guys in front of us were able to get out of the pit earlier and were able to complete one extra lap.

"Throughout qualifying, we were consistently at the top and looking good to move on to segment three but unfortunately guys that did extra laps got us."

He is confident that he will be able to make up the lost ground in the race.

"The team has worked really hard and done a great job," said Tagliani. "We're confident for the race tomorrow. We feel that we have a car that can compete with the guys in front of us. Starting seventh is not a bad spot, we just have to stay out of trouble and do our best."

Conquest had a promising start to the first unified IndyCar Series season, but lost ground after a major sponsor hit financial troubles. Franck Perera consequently lost his drive, and Brazilian duo Enrique Bernoldi and Jaime Camara struggled for results in the middle of the season.

Champ Car veteran Tagliani was then recruited from Detroit onwards after Bernoldi suffered an injury at Sears Point.

"We are working very well together and in just a few races we have progressed well towards the front of the grid," said team boss Eric Bachelart.

"We were expecting to be competitive here in Surfers Paradise and our seventh place starting position does not reflect entirely our potential. Tag has done a very good job."