24/09/2005
NEWS STORY
Despite being third in the running order, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro's Michael Schumacher set the seventh fastest time in this afternoon's qualifying session, giving him a strong chance for tomorrow's Brazilian Grand Prix. His Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello was a disappointing tenth after experiencing some problems with his car but he will no doubt be spurred on by his cheering fans at the Interlagos circuit on Sunday. Jordan Grand Prix's Tiago Monteiro was on good form, setting the 13th fastest time ahead of his teammate, both the Minardi and Williams runners and a Red Bull Racing car. With rain a potential factor for the race tomorrow, the Brazilian Grand Prix is set to be as eventful as ever.
Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager of Bridgestone Motorsport: Michael did a very good job and we are pleased with his lap time taking into account that he was third out for qualifying. He qualified seventh and I'm sure he'll be strong in the race tomorrow. Rubens' qualifying run was not an accurate reflection of his performance potential but he should be strong as well tomorrow. I expect both Ferrari drivers to advance through the field. Tiago Monteiro has put himself in a good position on the grid and both Narain Karthikeyan and Christijan Albers did their best today. Robert Doornbos had an unfortunate spin and will start at the back but judging from his earlier runs this weekend, he too should move up. There is also the possibility of rain which could really change the picture.
Ross Brawn, Technical Director of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro: Michael's performance was pretty good considering his early position in the running order for qualifying. Unfortunately we had some problems with Rubens' car, which wasn't as good in the afternoon as it was this morning. We will now have to investigate to see why it happened and hope he can have a good race. It's a shame as Rubens could have been much stronger in qualifying.