Austrian GP: Ferrari Friday qualifying notes

The F2003-GAs fastest at the A1-Ring

Jean Todt:

"The day had a positive outcome and we are happy with what we have achieved. In this morning's free practice session we worked towards the race, looking for the best set-up, as well as carrying out the usual comparison of the two types of tyre available. Our drivers set the two fastest times in qualifying, which is encouraging for the rest of the weekend. Having said that, we know that this afternoon's result is only valid for setting the running order for tomorrow afternoon, when drivers will run the fuel load with which they plan to use for the first stint of the race. Bridgestone did a good job, giving us a very good tyre."

Michael Schumacher:

"I am happy with the work we have done today, as it all looks very positive. We are learning more about the car every time we run it and this afternoon it worked very well. I have the best possible start position for tomorrow, when of course the final qualifying outcome will be affected by the various fuel load options. So I think we can be confident for the rest of the weekend. As for the incident at the final corner, I just ran a bit wide, but luckily I managed to control the slide."

Rubens Barrichello:

"It is great that Ferrari are first and second today, as it guarantees us the theoretical best starting positions for tomorrow's final qualifying. However, I was not perfectly happy with the balance of my car today, but I am sure we will be able to sort it out for tomorrow and definitely for the race on Sunday."

Ross Brawn:

"We are fairly happy with the performance of the car, although being at the front today is not so relevant for the race. We are pleased with the tyres we have here and they worked well with the car, which is beginning to show the performance level we had expected of it. That is partly as a result of a very positive test session last week. Both drivers made small mistakes on their lap this afternoon, so there should be more to come."

Michael Schumacher 1st
1:07.908 3 laps
chassis 228

Rubens Barrichello 2nd
1:08.187 3 laps
chassis 227

-ferrari-