Lotus were thrilled with their efforts in qualifying, with Heikki Kovalainen managing to make it into Q2 to take 15th position at the team’s home grand prix.
A clever strategy saw them out early in Q1, unlike the top teams. This gave them running when the track was at it’s driest.
Team principal, Tony Fernandes was near speechless after the session had ended.
“I’m speechless! What a day! To get 15th place in our home country, in front of our home crowd is amazing. I’m over the moon and just so excited,” he said.
Kovalainen applauded the risks the team took, using the heavy rain to their advantage.
“I’m so pleased! I really like these conditions – it’s very hard to judge your speed and you really have to take some risks, and all the time you’re feeling like you might lose the car, but that’s the challenge and I love it!”
Jarno Trulli wasn’t so lucky, although he had the pace to make it into Q2, his flying lap was compromised when a car spun ahead of him.
