1. S. Vettel, Red Bull, 1:13.791
2. F. Alonso, Ferrari, 1:13.793
3. F. Massa, Ferrari, 1:14.290
22. V. Liuzzi, Force India, 1:18.952

A very difficult day for Tonio in qualifying, as he could not convert his early running form into a strong starting position for this weekend’s German Grand Prix.

He completed three laps in Q1 but when exiting the final corner he ran wide onto the kerbs and hit a damp patch remaining from the earlier rain. The loss of grip sent him into a spin and unfortunately he speared across the track and into the pit wall, damaging the front of his VJM03. Tonio was uninjured in the accident but it means he will start from a frustrating 22nd position.

Tonio said: “I had had a good couple of laps but then I hit a wet patch on the kerb or on the grass that wasn’t visible from the track and it then started the accident. I lost the rear and was pushed out quite strongly across the track and into the wall. I wasn’t hurt, but it’s such a shame as we lost the qualifying and now have to start far down the grid. We can still make up some places as we showed in the last race in Silverstone where I came back to 11th and under a second from the points, so the race pace is very strong – let’s see what we can do.”