San Marino Grand Prix – Imola,
Free practice - First session
Michael Schumacher: 1st 1.24.751 4 laps chassis 254
Felipe Massa: 7th 1.26.596 4 laps chassis 250
Temperatures: air 21/22 °C, track 29/31 °C
Free practice – Second session
Michael Schumacher: 2nd 1.25.371 13 laps chassis 254
Felipe Massa: 5th 1.25.879 16 laps chassis 250
Temperatures: air 24 °C, track 34/35 °C
Jean Todt: “We are happy to be here
in Imola in front of so many Ferrari fans, including those
members of the Scuderia Ferrari Club, who have their own grandstand
and gave Michael and Felipe a really warm welcome when the
drivers went to greet them between the two sessions. As for
the work on track, it was the usual Friday, dedicated to evaluating
the two types of tyre and setting up the cars. From what we
could see and allowing for the usual factors relating to fuel
loads and tyre usage for the other teams, we can say that
the 248 F1-Bridgestone tyre combination seems to be competitive.
Now we have to work on making a further step forward for qualifying
and the race.”
Michael Schumacher: “We are happy
with the work done today, which has left me in a positive
mood. I see no reason to be pessimistic, even though that
doesn’t mean we were slow at the previous races. We
have made progress in various areas and even if they are only
minor things, all put together they have produced a good step
forward. The whole package is working better and therefore
the car is quicker. I think we can fight for pole tomorrow
and I even believe we can be in the hunt for the win on Sunday.
I say it again, I am optimistic.”
Felipe Massa: “All in all, I am happy
with what we achieved today. In the morning, we struggled
a bit to find the best set-up, however we improved the car
in the afternoon. I used the same set of tyres throughout
the two hours to prepare as well as possible for the race.
I think we now have a good starting point for the rest of
the weekend. I am happy to be here at Imola for the first
time as a Ferrari driver and hope to give the fans something
to cheer about.”
Ross Brawn: “A good day’s work.
The progress we saw at the Barcelona test has been confirmed
in these two hours of practice and the new aerodynamic package
seems to be working particularly well, as does the engine.
The engine was an area where we experienced some difficulties
in the last two races, but now we are back to normal. We compared
the two types of tyre supplied by Bridgestone and now we have
to look at the data to make the right choice. Both types seemed
up to the task, which is a sign that we have also made progress
on this front.”
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