"Turning
now to the race itself, I can say that it was good to end the career
- at least that is our current plan - of the F2002 with a victory
and a third place. It is a car which has exceeded all expectations.
Rubens also drove a great race, fighting his opponents all the way.
Second place only just eluded him. The Bridgestone tyres worked
very well and the support of all our technical and commercial partners
played a key role. The road to the top is still a long one and we
are well aware of that. To return to our winning ways in Imola,
in front of our fans and the Gestione Sportiva staff who were here
to support us, is a marvellous feeling. We said we would answer
our critics who accused us of being in crisis with our actions and
we are proud to have done so."
Rubens
Barrichello:
"My
race was conditioned by the fact that I never really had a clear
track ahead of me, because of the Williams drivers' strategy. In
the whole race, there were only three laps when I could push to
the maximum. So I was unable to fully exploit my three stop strategy.
I was unable to get past Ralf in the pit stop and my problem at
my next one lost me some time and but for that I might have caught
Ralf earlier and been able to catch Kimi. But it was a fun race
from a driving point of view with some good clean fights."
"When
I came up behind Ralf, I was enthusiastic about my overtaking, I
saw my chance and went for it. In the closing stages, I tried all
I could to catch Kimi, but I really did not get close enough until
the final lap and then there was not enough time to pass him. It
was nice of Michael to let me pass him, when his race was already
secure and I was pushing very hard on my 'in' lap."
Ross
Brawn:
"After
a difficult start to the season and especially difficult circumstances
this weekend, today's result is a great incentive to keep doing
well and tackle the coming races with confidence. It was a shame
for Rubens that he had a problem during the third pit stop as, but
for that, he could probably have finished second. The car performed
strongly and the strategy worked well."