Saturday: Team Lotus has got even closer!

Heikki Kovalainen – 19th and 19th

« It’s a great way to finish the qualifications this season, one of my best laps. I’ve had a lot of good sessions this year, but this one will stand out as one of the best. Jarno has been very strong here all weekend and I was just behind him after the first stint, so I really had to give it my all to beat him. We made some adjustments with the tires and it paid off with this last lap in the final moments. We also finished closer to the others than we have all season, and even though it’s a small circuit, it’s always a sign that we’ve gained time with the new rear wing and I think it will help us again tomorrow. The forecast calls for rain and that’s always something interesting here, so I think even though anything can happen, it will be a good Saturday, and hopefully, a great way to end the season. »

Jarno Trulli – 18th and 20th

« I am quite happy with the way things went today. The second set of tires wasn’t as good as the first, and even though I improved my time, I couldn’t really push. I’ve had a very good weekend so far, but I still haven’t found a balance I’m comfortable with. But the main thing is that we’ve increased the gap with the cars behind us and that we’ve closed in on the teams ahead. »

Mike Gascoyne, technical director

« It’s a very good end to the qualifications this season. This morning, we had some rhythm issues with the soft tires, but this afternoon, we found the solution, and Hekki in particular maximized the car’s potential. Jarno was a bit less happy with the balance, but for me, it’s a good way to end the qualifications this year. In the second half of the season, we closed the gap with the group of cars in front of us, and it was particularly evident today, so the goal for tomorrow is clear: to have a good race and have it crowned with success. »