• After overcoming together with his team the issues found on Friday, Carlos set the sixth fastest time in Qualifying at Sochi: 1:33.222.
• The McLaren driver is set to move up to fifth following a rivals’ penalty, tying his career-best grid position and placing himself right behind the leading teams.
• The Spaniard, who perfected the set-up of his MCL34 as he moved through Q1 and Q2, was especially quick in the third sector.

QUOTES:

"We may have just done the best lap of the year. Yesterday we were struggling with the set-up, but today we took a step forward. We got it right in Q1 and then steadily improved through Q2 and Q3. This result is also a testament to the effort of the entire team, who has worked very hard to achieve it. I thank them all".

"We have improved in every way and I hope that this progress is also translated into our race pace. If it the case, then we have an opportunity to fight for a good result tomorrow. We will give our very best".