No Williams surprise in qualifying
AT&T Williams concluded today’s inaugural qualifying at the Buddh International Circuit with both its drivers securing their grid positions in Q2. On Pirelli’s soft tyres, Pastor set the 14th fastest time of the session, Rubens the 16th. After penalty considerations are taken into account for other drivers, Pastor will start the first Indian Grand Prix in P13, with Rubens in P15.
Mark Gillan, Chief Operations Engineer:
Overall that was a reasonably pleasing day with both drivers doing well. Pastor managed to maximise the current performance of the car, qualifying in what will be P13, with Rubens close behind in P15.
Pastor Maldonado, P13:
The track was getting better and better every lap today so you really needed to be on track at the right time. My engineers achieved that with our qualifying strategy and the set-up we had worked. We had good race pace in the last few events, and we are close to the top ten, so tomorrow we will fight!
Rubens Barrichello, P15:
I was happy with the balance of the car on the first set of tyres and set my best time with those. When I changed to the new set, the car didn’t feel as hooked up and the grip wasn’t really there which was strange. It should be a good race tomorrow; the cars around us seem to be very close, so let’s see.
