- Japanese GP - Qualifying
Bottas expecting to struggle in the wet
Valtteri Bottas thinks a podium might be more of a long shot in the treacherous conditions expected in Suzuka after qualifying third behind Mercedes.
Bottas has been comfortably best of the rest for the weekend so far, with team-mate Felipe Massa struggling to catch up after a set-up issue on Friday. Williams has struggled to maximise its potential in the rain this year and, with Typhoon Phanfone set to have a big impact on the race, Bottas admits he goes into Sunday with a cautious mindset.
"We know we might struggle a little bit more in the wet, but there seems to be also a bit of margin behind us, so hopefully we can still fight for a podium if it's really wet," Bottas said. "I think for everyone - and the fans - it would be really nice if we could really have a good race.
"If the weather is like expected, first of all, I really hope we can have a race. It could be difficult but it's going to be difficult for everyone. It's in mixed conditions and a lot of things can happen and the main thing is that with both cars starting in a good place, we take all the points that are available for us to take."
Bottas did not think a genuine challenge to Mercedes was likely but he says it was good to close the gap as the qualifying session went on - with his final margin to pole-sitter Nico Rosberg around six tenths.
"It was not too bad. They looked really quick yesterday and even this morning, so it was nice to get a little bit closer. They still have some margin and they will be really quick tomorrow as well, but I think as a team we need to be happy with third and fourth. That was the goal today."
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