On a day beset with tyre-related issues, Minardi F1 Team drivers Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher produced useful qualifying performances for tomorrow’s sixth running of the United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Albers set the 18th fastest time, and Friesacher, the 20th, although the final starting positions for both men will ultimately be determined by the outcome of discussions that will take place later this afternoon concerning the developing tyre situation.  During the final two official practice sessions of the weekend, the Faenza squad continued its normal preparations for Sunday’s race, Albers and Friesacher spending the morning working with their engineers on further adjustments to chassis set-up in order to cope with the demands of both this afternoon’s qualifying session and tomorrow’s race.    

CHRISTIJAN ALBERS