Formula One news

Vettel struggles in Toro Rosso debut

Scuderia Toro Rosso's new driver Sebastian Vettel struggled on his debut qualifying down in 19th while Tonio Liuzzi ended the day sixteenth.

"I think that in common with a lot of other people, we are finding that the soft tyres are struggling a lot to finish more than half the lap in good condition," said Liuzzi. "So it is always a gamble to get to the end of the lap in good shape. I made it to the last place in Q2 and that was pretty much the maximum target I could have, as there was a big gap to the car in front. I am still remaining optimistic for the race. It will be a tough race, especially from a tyre point of view and so I am expecting an interesting race." 

Sebastian Vettel commented, "I suppose it might not have been realistic to expect much more as the time I have had to get used to the car and the team has been quite short. Taking that into consideration, I think we have done quite a good job so far. The car was in good shape and we made a step forward with it since this morning. But I am not satisfied with this afternoon, as I made a mistake in the final sector on a quick lap. It was completely my mistake and I think my car was good enough to make it through to Qualifying 2. I hope I have a better afternoon tomorrow."
Third Practice Session
Best lap 1.22.394, pos. 19

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Lola ready to enter Formula 1
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation

Homepage