Fernando secured our best Qualifying result of the season at the São Paulo Grand Prix, recording the ninth-fastest time, while Lance finished in 19th, though both will start Sunday's race further up the grid as some of our competitors will take penalties. Read on for all the reaction from the team trackside.
Forecast rain arrived in time for the start of Qualifying, with the field queueing up in the pitlane to try to beat the heaviest of the weather.
However, just a couple of minutes into Q1 the session was red flagged due to intense rain, sparking a prolonged pause.
Almost 90 minutes after the session's original start time, the on-track running resumed, with Lance and Fernando taking to the circuit using the Wet tyre.
Lap-times tumbled through Q1 as track conditions improved, and Fernando managed to progress, while Lance finished in P19.
Track conditions improved further in Q2, and with around 5 minutes left the crossover to the Intermediate tyre from the Wet tyre was feasible, with Fernando taking advantage to secure passage to the final stage of Qualifying – our first appearance in Q3 this season.
The threat of the rain intensifying loomed at the start of Q3, meaning it was important to get out on circuit early to set a lap-time. Fernando was first out on track, and was eventually classified ninth.
Owing to grid penalties for other drivers, however, Fernando will actually start Sunday's race in eighth, and Lance in 17th.
There's a chance of more rain during the race, and the team will look to make the most of any opportunities that that presents us.
