European Grand Prix – Nürburgring Qualifying
session
Q1: MS 2nd 1.31.235 3 laps FM 14th 1.31.921 4 laps
Q2: MS 1st 1.30.013 3 laps FM 6th 1.30.732 4 laps
Q3: MS 2nd 1.30.028 13 laps FM 3rd 1.30.407 13 laps
Chassis: MS 254 FM 250
Temperatures: air 20 °C
track 32/30 °C
Jean Todt: “It was a very closely
contested qualifying session, which saw us come away with
second and third places for Michael and Felipe respectively.
Drivers, team, chassis, engine, Bridgestone tyres and Shell
fuel and lubricants all worked well and this result should
allow us to fight as front runners tomorrow. The decisive
factors that will influence the final outcome are the same
as ever: reliability, strategy and consistent tyre performance.”
Michael Schumacher: “I am happy to
be on the front row. We have been strong all weekend and so
we can be optimistic about tomorrow’s race. The fact
that the Renault is on pole does not surprise me, but I think
we have a great chance of fighting for the win. Naturally,
strategy will be vitally important. I think we will see a
very close race for the win and as you know, I like a fight.”
Felipe Massa: “This third place is
a good starting point and I am pleased with my performance
today. Our package works very well at this track and so I
am confident for tomorrow’s race, when I hope to improve
on my performance in Imola. I am not surprised to also be
competitive here at the Nurburgring, because the 248 F1 has
proved to be strong right from the start of the season. Myquick
lap was very good. With this qualifying format, you need to
be very careful about choosing the right moment to go out
on track and today, I waited for a moment in pit lane after
changing tyres, in order to create a space between me and
the cars that had gone out before me.”
Ross Brawn: “I’m very pleased
with the cars’ performance and the balance that we had.
We have made some genuine progress over the last few races
and we saw that again here today. The Bridgestone tyres are
very consistent which means we have a good tyre for the race
and so I am optimistic for tomorrow. This afternoon, we had
no problems, both drivers got clean laps, so it all points
to a very exciting race tomorrow.”
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