Massa Equals Career-Best Qualifying at Home Track

Second Row Start
By SAUBER PETRONAS
October 23 2004

Team SAUBER PETRONAS drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa will start tomorrow’s Brazilian Grand Prix from 10th and 4th positions respectively after this afternoon’s qualifying sessions.

Saturday, Qualifying 1:

Driver	Chassis	Best Time	Position
G. Fisichella	C23-04	1:10.467	9
F. Massa	C23-01	1:09.930	2
Spare Car	C23-02	-	-

Saturday, Qualifying 2:

Driver	Chassis	Best Time	Position
G. Fisichella	C23-04	1:11.571	11
F. Massa	C23-01	1:10.922	4
Spare Car	C23-02	-	-

Giancarlo Fisichella (Driver):

"It was not too bad for me, to qualify just outside the top 10. Yesterday the car was quick in race trim, and though today it was a little strange in places with some understeer, I am confident that I have the right strategy and can achieve a good result in my last race for a great team."

Felipe Massa (Driver):

"I think that was a pretty good lap! But you know, all day I had the confidence to be flat in Turn 11, and then in qualifying the car had a big snap oversteer there and I lost a tenth of a second or so and maybe even a front row position. But so soon after China it is great to repeat that grid result and I am sure I can do a very good race tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to it."

Peter Sauber (Team Principal):

"It is very important to be able to improve right up until the last race. Congratulations to the team, to Bridgestone and, of course, to both drivers for a very good performance. I am particularly happy for Felipe, who was able to cope with the pressure of racing at home and to deliver a fantastic performance for us and for Brazil. I think we will have an interesting race!"

Saturday, Free Practice 3:

Driver	Chassis	Best Time	Position
G. Fisichella	C23-04	1:11.985	7
F. Massa	C23-01	1:12.064	8
Spare Car	C23-02	-	-

Saturday, Free Practice 4:

Driver	Chassis	Best Time	Position
G. Fisichella	C23-04	1:11.425	13
F. Massa	C23-01	1:11.142	10
Spare Car	C23-02	-	-

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