Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Sainz having a blast fighting in 'incredibly tight' mid-field

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Qualifying in China today confirmed the very high level of competition which exists between the mid-field runners, says Carlos Sainz.

The Toro Rosso bull missed out on the Q3 segment by just 0.060 seconds but believes the quality of his STR12 chassis has him well positioned to aim for another top ten finish on Sunday.

"It’s incredible how tight the midfield is!" said Sainz, whose team mate Daniil Kvyat qualified ahead of him in 9th position.

"To see two or three drivers within a tenth means that nowadays qualifying is even more important and even the smallest detail can make the difference.

"I’m honestly really enjoying these fights and today’s has been quite an eventful qualifying session – every lap counts and I was trying to find half a tenth here, half a tenth there… It’s exciting! ".

Hamilton thwarts Vettel for pole in China

While he regretted missing the crucial cut, the loss does come with a silver lining as he will have the choice of which tyre to start the race on.

The Spanish driver believes therefore that his chances of achieving a good result on Sunday remain intact, even if it rains.

"Unfortunately I didn’t make it into Q3 this afternoon, but I missed out for so little – it was quite a decent lap so I’m not worried about it.

"Tomorrow is the big day and we start from P11, which is the best possible result if you don’t get into Q3 as we can choose our tyre strategy… If it’s a dry race!

"If it’s wet, we know have a strong chassis and I always welcome the rain, so one way or another I think we have opportunities to fight for a good result tomorrow."

GALLERY: All the pictures from Saturday in Shanghai

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.