It was somewhat the usual Friday outcome for the Team SAUBER PETRONAS as both drivers ended 8th and 17th at the end of today’s second free practice session ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

Fisichella were complaining of imbalances all throughout the day, typical of the team’s predicament earlier this season. “This morning I had oversteer and this afternoon it was understeer, so we still have a little work to do on the set-up. We need somewhere in the middle! But the car was good in the long runs, so I am confident for the race,” assured Fisichella.

Team-mate Felipe Massa meanwhile, seems to have overcome his jitters performing in front of his home fans. The local hero clocked a 16th best in the morning session but slashed it almost two seconds in the afternoon session. His 1min 12.183s slots him in eighth spot.

“I’m really happy so far,” remarked Massa. “Of course this is a big weekend for me, racing in front of my home crowd, so eighth place is a good start. The car is very good, once we got the right set-up after this morning, and we have done our tyre choice. The car was strong straight away on the first lap with the latest Bridgestones, so I am feeling quietly confident that we can do well.”

Team Principal Peter Sauber enthused, “Another normal Friday test, except that this one was the 18th of the season! I am confident that we have found a good race set-up and that we have made the right tyre choice.”