Sainz: P5 not a realistic goal

Editor

Although delighted with his P5 in qualifying, Carlos Sainz is keeping expectations firmly in check, saying it will be "difficult" to hold onto come Sunday.

The Spanish rookie was the highest placed of his compatriots as he progressed to Q3 for his home race.

Posting a 1:26.136, he finished qualifying fifth quickest.

However, retaining that position in Sunday's race may be a step too far for Toro Rosso.

"It's something special. Dreaming is free, no?" he said.

But, he added, "P5 for us tomorrow would be very difficult.

"Our long runs from Friday, they don't look very promising, but it was a completely different car than what I was driving now in terms of feeling.

"We will work on it, we will work on it, we will try our best to finish in that top five but it's probably not our most realistic position."

For now, though, he's relishing the fact that he has qualified fifth for his home grand prix.

"It's amazing, and at my home track. It's something very special, what I'm going through now, and I'm very happy with it."