"The more
important part is tomorrow afternoon's race and we are very confident
in our car-engine-Bridgestone tyre package. As usual, strategy and
reliability will be of fundamental importance in determining the
result. Looking at our positions in both championships, our aim
is to cross the finish line with as many points as possible.'
Michael
Schumacher:
"Even with very little running yesterday we soon found
a good base line set-up for the car this morning, so we will be
in the fight tomorrow. I did not get pole for what could be a variety
of factors: tyres, strategy or set-up for example, but I am on the
front row at least. In qualifying I was just not quick enough in
the third sector. I lost about a tenth at Turn 13 because I was
pushing too hard but I lost the most time in the last two corners."
"Second
place was not what I expected but the strategy will be very interesting
tomorrow and it might well change over the 70 laps. Without the
chance to do long runs on Friday, it will also be interesting to
see how the tyres work over the distance. The field is much closer
than in previous races, so now we must wait and see what happens.'
Rubens
Barrichello:
"Everything was going well today until, after free
practice, the team found a hydraulic problem on my car. The mechanics
did a good job to sort out the problem, but it could not be done
in time for pre-qualifying. It was hard, because it meant I was
first out on track for qualifying. That meant compared to the other
front runners I was penalised by the fact the grip level on the
track improved every time a car went out. I'm expecting a difficult
race tomorrow, starting from the fifth row. But I hope I can still
get a good result."
Ross
Brawn:
"Obviously we would have preferred to be on pole,
but Michael is on the front row so it is not so bad. It will be
a challenge tomorrow and now we will work on our strategy this evening.
Our tyres look very good for the race. Of course, we are disappointed
for Rubens who had a hydraulic problem, so we decided it was safer
to fix it, miss the first run and ensure it was okay for qualifying
and the race. His performance was compromised by not getting his
run in pre-qualifying and also because the track was obviously getting
quicker towards the end after he made his run. The result of this
race will depend a lot on strategy and reliability."