From surgery to second - Carlos Sainz on the front row at Australian Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz qualified second for the Australian Grand Prix in a remarkable recovery drive just a fortnight after his appendectomy.

Carlos Sainz on Saturday at the Australian Grand Prix. (Kym Illman/Getty Images)

“From missing the race in Jeddah to this P2 in two weeks, it’s been an interesting journey to say the least!” said the Spaniard.

“I’m very happy because coming to Australia I wasn’t even sure I was going to make it,” he said, with Ferrari F1 reserve Ollie Bearman remaining on standby from the Formula 2 paddock.

“We have managed to progress steadily session after session, knowing that the target was to arrive as prepared as possible for qualifying. I tried everything to get pole in the last lap but it’s impossible to be disappointed with today’s result given the circumstances.”

Visibly tired after the session, Sainz admitted he is still recovering from the surgery.

“Hopefully the body holds on during the entire race,” he said.

“As long as I have no pain and with the extra motivation from today, I will fight to get a good result tomorrow.”

Sainz will start his #55 Ferrari on the front row alongside Max Verstappen, the world champion Red Bull driver so far proving unbeatable in qualifying or F1 races this year.

“P2 on the grid for Carlos is quite incredible when you consider that two weeks ago he was in hospital having surgery,” said Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.

“But he had a mega recovery thanks to the people who looked after him.”

“It won’t be easy for him tomorrow, but I’m sure that his determination will help him make up for any physical limitations.”

The Australian Grand Prix is underway at 3pm on Sunday (AEDT).

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