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| Spanish
GP 6th-9th May 2004 - Saturday Ferrari Press Release |
Length:
4.627 km
Number of Laps: 66
(305.256 Km)
Best Lap: R. Barrichello
- 1'20''143 (2003, Ferrari)
Record Pole: M. Schumacher
- 1'16''364 (2002, Ferrari)
2003 Pole: M. Schumacher
(1'17"762)
2002 Podium: M. Schumacher
- F. Alonso - R. Barrichello
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Jean
Todt:
'A fantastic pole position for Michael and a wonderful basis
from which to start his 200th Grand Prix. As for Rubens, he produced
a good performance and starting from the third row means he has every
possibility to do well. Obviously, when trying to draw conclusions
from the qualifying result we have to take into account the fuel levels
and tyre types chosen by our rivals. In our case, we know we can count
on good consistency from the Bridgestone tyres. Tomorrow, as usual,
reliability, strategy and the rate of tyre degradation will be key
factors. Having said that, all the elements are in place for Ferrari
to aim for a great result.'
Michael
Schumacher:
'I would have preferred to have been further down the running
order for the final qualifying session as the track was getting
a lot quicker towards the end, so being about halfway down the pre-qualifying
order was not ideal. Towards the end of the lap, I knew I had a
very good first and second sector time, so in the final sector I
made sure I was safe, especially as it is very easy to make a mistake
at Turn 10. But in the end it was a very, very good lap. It was
also a bit of a surprise to be honest, but I am happy to take pole.
It has been difficult to set up the car, mainly because of the wind
changing direction. Regarding the modifications at Turn 10, I think
a good job has been done from the safety point of view and it might
also provide the possibility to overtake as you can put someone
under pressure at this corner and maybe they make a mistake.'
Rubens
Barrichello:
'All in all, it was an average qualifying. Along with the
team, we still have a little bit of work to do for tomorrow’s
race, but I feel there is every possibility of getting a good result.
We know that we can rely on our Bridgestone tyres to provide a consistent
level of performance over a long distance and this factor will play
a part in the outcome of the race.'
Ross
Brawn:
'I think we can expect a very exciting race with Montoya
alongside Michael on the front row, especially in the opening laps.
It will certainly add something to the expectations of this Spanish
Grand Prix and I think that a lot of people will now want to watch
it, both here and on television. From what we have seen, our rivals’
tyres are very quick over one lap and then degrade somewhat, while
ours are very consistent. For Michael it will be important not to
lose ground in the opening part of the race. If he manages it, he
can control the pace, otherwise it will be a very hard fight. Starting
from the third row, Rubens will have to be very patient. His car
is well balanced and it will be possible for him to get a good result.'
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