Marussia F1 Team
Jules Bianchi believes that Marussia can enjoy a comparatively strong performance at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix after he finished in 17th place during Friday's second practice session.
Bianchi, who progressed through to Q2 in Belgium, ended the day faster than both Lotus drivers and was encouraged by Marussia's pace.
"It’s great to be back here at Monza, at the start of what I think can be a promising weekend," he said.
"It has taken us the two sessions to get the car much closer to a more ideal balance, but I’m pretty comfortable with where we have finished the first day.
"We’re close to Sutil and ahead of the two Lotuses, so although we still have some work to do ourselves, I think we can perhaps enjoy a good race here."
Team-mate Max Chilton was 19th and echoed Bianchi's thoughts.
"This morning in FP1 the car felt good pretty much straight away, so it has been more about fine-tuning it to try to move us forward," he said.
"Jules and I have been close on the timesheets for most of the day and I’m sandwiched between the two Lotus cars and ahead of both Caterhams, so I think there are some positive signs there for the weekend ahead."
