• Audi misses best time in qualifying by a tenth of a second
• Allan McNish is two tenths quicker than team-mate André Lotterer
• Balanced qualifying tally for both driver teams

Unfortunately we missed setting the fastest time by a very narrow margin and took positions two and three. After the previous free practice sessions we did a good job and clearly reduced the gaps. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to manage another small step on Sunday because our aim is to win the finale.

The three best cars in the field simultaneously started their chase for times. Allan McNish’s first lap was superb. I’d have hardly thought it possible for us to achieve such a time. With that, we were initially running in front. But Alexander Wurz in the Toyota improved by two tenths of a second, which put him one tenth ahead of Allan. André Lotterer had some minor difficulties on his first lap. The gaps are a little smaller than expected. That’s why I’m confident for the race.

After optimizing our car for the race in practice in dry, damp and wet conditions, exactly one fast lap counted in qualifying. Allan achieved a really good time on it. On this track with its different types of turns and the resulting compromise for the set-up, that was anything but easy.

It was a good qualifying session and it’s nice to be on the front row. The gap to Toyota is small. The car had good balance and I was able to make perfect use of the tires. I’m pleased with our performance. I’m happy for Audi Sport Team Joest plus the fact that we’re in contention for the title through to the end. But I’m also aware of the fact that the race won’t be easy.

Third place doesn’t mean the end of the world. The deficit of three tenths of a second isn’t large. We’re now starting on the inside of the track which isn’t bad with respect to the first turn. The race will last for six hours. It’s important that our pace is right. The times are close together. That’s why I’m optimistic.

Qualifying was okay – we managed to clearly improve the car compared with yesterday. The gap to Toyota isn’t very large, so I’m confident for the race. I’m not completely happy with my own performance because I made a small mistake in turn 14 and the front right wheel locked. That cost me some time when the tires were working at their best.

Since Saturday morning we’ve achieved a pretty good set-up for our car. Unfortunately, on his first lap in qualifying, André made a small braking mistake. But qualifying isn’t so important. The crucial part is that we’ve got a good car for the race. And it looks like that’s exactly what we’ve got. That’s why we’re confident for tomorrow.