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Carlos Sainz qualified in eleventh for the Russian Grand Prix, but was half a second away from taking the chance to make an appearance in Q3. The Spaniard has been struggling all weekend with his Toro Rosso which he claims lacks pace around the Sochi Autodrom.
Despite setting the eleventh fastest time in Q2, Sainz will drop three places on tomorrow's grid due to a penalty he received following the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he made contact with the Williams of Lance Stroll which let to both cars retiring.
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"Friday we were totally out of position, but yesterday we managed to pick-up the pace a bit and to qualify in P11, which isn't that bad. It's just unfortunate that I have that 3-place grid penalty for the race."
One noticeable affect of the new regulations in Formula 1 is how close the midfield battle has become, with plenty of teams fighting it out every race for points, something which makes the battles very exciting in Sainz's opinion.
"We are definitely lacking some pace around this circuit, but it can be an interesting race. I'm really enjoying this midfield battle which is making every quali and race very exciting. I'd say points are possible and, even if it will be tough to go forward, I will give it my all and let's see where we end up."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Posts: 1,804
With the midfield so close, its all to play for