"During
qualifying, there were a few worrying moments as far as the weather
was concerned, as a few drops of rain appeared, but in the end it
all went well with no outside factors affecting the result. An all-red
front row proves that our preparation work and efforts this weekend
are going in the right direction. Now we have to tackle the final
and most important part."
"We know
a dream is within our grasp tomorrow afternoon, but we are equally
aware that seventy laps of this track is a very tough challenge.
We will tackle it with passion and determination as usual."
"Today's
performance is a nice way to remember our founder on the sixteenth
anniversary of his death. The Commendatore would have been happy
to see two red cars heading the field. Under the guidance of President
Montezemolo we have the responsibility of continuing to move forward
with the legend that is Ferrari."
Michael
Schumacher:
"That was a good lap, although as a racing driver
you always feel you could do better. Rubens did a fantastic pre-qualifying
lap, but I was not too worried as we had both been very close in
the morning. The new Bridgestone tyre possibly gave us an advantage
and along with Shell, they have given us a big push, helping us
to pick up performance. I am not so surprised at the grid: we expected
BAR and Renault to be competitive, even if I am surprised McLaren
is a bit further back, but maybe they have a different strategy."
"Even though
it is cooler than usual here, tomorrow will be a tough race as this
track requires a lot of work at the wheel, the cars slide a lot
and the bumps make it unpredictable. It is hard work, but that is
what we train for and I am looking forward to it. The fact that
we can win the Constructors' title tomorrow will have no affect
on the way we tackle this race.'
Rubens
Barrichello:
"My pre-qualifying was very good and my qualifying
was good. I experienced a bit more understeer than we had expected
which cost me time in the second sector. I knew it could have gone
either way between me or Michael, so in a way it is disappointing
not to have got pole, but Michael drove a perfect lap. This has
to be the worst "P2" of the year as starting on the dirty
side of the track is really dirty here. Nevertheless, I am optimistic
that I can have a good race tomorrow."
Ross
Brawn:
"Both drivers worked really effectively with their
engineers to get their cars well balanced. The F2004 is a very good
car but much of the credit for this result must go to the new Bridgestone
tyres, which worked very well and constitute a good step forward.
Having struggled at this track last year, today's result is something
of a reward."