Bridgestone Sunday press release - 4th July 20:14pm GMT

The Bridgestone Potenza equipped Ferrari drivers pulled off one of their most thrilling results of the season this afternoon at the French Grand Prix as Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello took the chequered flag in first and third places respectively. Having started from second and tenth places on the grid, the pair each fought their own battles but it was the combination of Ferrari’s strategies, pace and consistency from the Bridgestone tyres and great driving that gave the World Champion his ninth win from ten races and Barrichello his eighth podium of the year. Barrichello was undoubtedly delighted with today’s result having clinched third place at the last moment from Jarno Trulli, overtaking him at Turn 15. Ferrari continues to lead the championship with 158 points to Renault’s 79 and Schumacher and Barrichello maintain their lead with 90 and 68 points apiece. Unfortunately for the Sauber Petronas, Jordan Ford and Wilux Minardi Cosworth teams it was not a day to build on their points scores but they will be back with a vengeance next week at the British Grand Prix.

Hisao Suganuma – Technical Manager – Bridgestone Motorsport
“We expected a tough race here but I am delighted with the Bridgestone tyre performance in today’s conditions. We were able to beat our rivals on the strength of both our consistency throughout a stint and our ability to give top end performance. There was a little blistering on our rear tyres but they were consistent throughout the stints which enabled the Ferrari drivers to really pull out the stops when they needed to. Michael set several fastest laps out there today and Rubens utilised his speed and consistency to work his way up from tenth to third. It was a great performance from them both
today. I must admit I was quite surprised by Ferrari’s four-stop strategy but it worked very well and I’m pleased Bridgestone’s tyres were able to support their strategies. Sauber, Jordan and Minardi all did their best today but unfortunately were not in a position to take any points but I expect our way of development to help them further in future races.”

Ross Brawn – Technical Director – Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
“Well, the four stops was not my idea – Luca Baldisserri came up with the idea. We executed it from the pitwall and everything fell into place. We had nothing to lose. There was no risk as we were stuck in second and it would have been too difficult to overtake. We needed to run in free air and to be able to use the car. Michael drove a fantastic race: he was quick when he needed to be quick and as I said earlier, Luca Baldisserri came up with the idea of four stops. It was a chance but it was worth taking. And considering Rubens was tenth, he drove a fantastic race. I mean, that overtaking manoeuvre at the end was just pure Rubens - fantastic!”

Rubens Barrichello – Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
“I was sorry that I had a hydraulic problem yesterday in the pre-qualifying because being first in the [final] qualifying was really a penalty but you know, I was playing my cards and everything I had. I think Jarno [Trulli], for him unfortunately, he made a mistake slowing down a bit too much at the exit of turn 13 and I was able to pull alongside him on [Turn] 15. It was risky but I took the risk because I thought it was worth [it] so I’m very glad for myself and for the team that we could pull from tenth to third… The Bridgestone tyres, like Michael said, worked fantastically - especially towards the end of the stints.”