First qualifying on the newly modified Magny-Cours circuit turned into an entertaining hour as the four top places were taken by Bridgestone drivers. While the final result, with the Minardis of Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson heading the time sheets, was unexpected, it was welcomed in a warm sporting spirit by rivals who congratulated the popular Italian team. The turn-around was possible due to rapidly drying conditions which saw a full range of tyres - from extreme wet to regular grooved tyres - being used on a track which was drenched in rain at the start of the session but which had become almost dry at the finish. There was a particularly notable performance by Jacques Villeneuve, who claimed 7th place in spite of losing the whole of the morning's first session due to a legal challenge, since resolved, mounted against his Lucky Strike BAR Honda team.

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager of Bridgestone Motorsport: "There were several types of track conditions in qualifying this afternoon but in all situations, wet and almost dry, I feel that the Bridgestone tyres showed a strong performance and from that point of view I'm pleased with the results of today's session. It was good to see also that the dry tyres ran well on what was, at times, a patchy dry and wet track. I'm very pleased for the Minardi team, a fine performance, and I suspect there will be celebrations this evening. However, I would also like to highlight Jacques Villeneuve's lap. It was an impressive performance for someone who had only run one lap all day. With regards to testing and practice earlier today, obviously we couldn't do too much for dry tyres but we have some good indications of the choices that will be made for the rest of the weekend."

Gabriele Tredozi, Technical Director of European Minardi Cosworth: "A fantastic result. We worked well in private testing this morning and the tyres were balanced in all conditions. It would be easy to say that we were lucky with the conditions but actually the team and drivers did an excellent job. The car was very balanced and the tyres fantastic."

Ross Brawn, Technical Director of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro: "I think the Bridgestone tyres performed well today, it was a solid performance and I'm confident for tomorrow."