Force India stunned by performance of Sutil
The Force India Formula One Team will start the 2009 German Grand Prix from seventh position following a stunning performance from Adrian Sutil in today's qualifying. The grid slot is the 26-year-old German's highest to date and marks the company's best starting position since Hungary 2002. Unfortunately Giancarlo Fisichella endured a more difficult session and will start the 60 lap race from 18th.
The Eifel weather was at its mercurial best today with rain alternating with sun at close intervals. Q1 started dry, allowing Adrian and Giancarlo to complete early runs. The pair stayed on the Bridgestone supersoft dry tyres for a second outing, with Adrian setting his fastest lap of the session, 1:32.015, which placed him 14th. Giancarlo tried a third outing, but ultimately traffic and rain hampered his chances of progressing into the second session.
Showers between Q1 and Q2 called for a change to intermediate tyres, but as the track started to dry out Adrian made a call on his second lap to change to dry tyres. It was a lap earlier than other cars and he was able to set the third quickest time of the session. The rain then played beautifully into the team's hands, allowing Adrian to ease into Q3 for the first time in his F1 career.
Adrian took a gamble on the dry tyres for Q3 and as the track dried he steadily lowered his lap times to 1:34.316, enough for seventh position.
Adrian Sutil (car 20): "I'm really happy, for sure one of F1's happiest guys today! It's my home race and my best qualifying position so far in F1, so it was a great qualifying for us. It was very tricky with the weather but our decisions were very good and on time, particularly in Q2 with the rain. We took a risk on the dry tyres and we did it a lap earlier than all the others and got the third fastest time. Finally, even with the fuel on board Q3 went really well and we got into seventh. I am very happy for everyone on the team. We've worked really hard in the last months. Now we just have to score some points!"
Giancarlo Fisichella (car 21): "First of all I am very pleased for the team and for Adrian to have had such a great qualifying. It was an incredible result and hopefully we'll be able to have a good race tomorrow. For me it was a bit disappointing. We went out early in the first session but unfortunately I got caught in traffic on both my fastest laps. It was a real shame as with the weather conditions I think we could have done really well. But it could be mixed weather tomorrow so you never know what's possible."
Dominic Harlow, chief race engineer: "P7 after Q3 for Adrian was a fantastic performance and a reward for the team's efforts recently. The weather played its part, but he secured the position on merit. It was an exciting session and I think that we got the calls right today. Giancarlo was unfortunate in that his second outing in Q1 was affected by traffic with so many cars on the circuit and with things being so tight he didn't make the cut. Otherwise I'm sure that he too could have progressed to a strong qualifying position. Our goal of course has to be putting those first points on the board in the race."
Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal: "Needless to say I am absolutely delighted with the team's performance today. We came to Germany hoping to get to Q2 and we got to Q3 thanks to a superb team performance and a stunning session from Adrian. To do so on his home soil will no doubt make it extra special for him. We are now in a good position for tomorrow's race and I hope we can finally get those much longed-for points."
