Belgian GP: Bridgestone Saturday notes

Michael takes first pole at Spa

Qualifying belonged to Michael Schumacher at the circuit where he made his Formula 1 debut but where pole position has eluded him in the past. This time the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver's emphatic performance put him at the front of the grid for tomorrow's Belgian Grand Prix - the first time he has taken pole position at Spa, his favourite circuit. The German stamped his mark on qualifying with his first flying lap then bettered it with his second, a 1:43.726. Rubens Barrichello will start the race behind his team-mate in 3rd place.

The next best driver on Bridgestone tyres was Jacques Villeneuve in 12th position.

After setting up to race this weekend, OrangeArrows will not now take part while discussions relating to the sale of the team continue.

Ross Brawn, technical director, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

"Michael has been happy with the balance of the car all weekend and he put in two excellent laps in qualifying. We ran out of time for the last run but he wanted to go out again to confirm the set-up. The car was good and of course Michael's a bit special! Rubens did well too and we are in a good position for the race but we will be keeping an eye on Kimi Raikkonen. It looks like the Bridgestone tyres will be a little more consistent than its competitor's and that will be critical. A good start will be important tomorrow but strategy and track temperature will be important too."

Hisao Suganuma, technical manager, Bridgestone Motorsport

"Today we saw a dominant performance by Michael on Bridgestone tyres and I am pleased with another pole position. Of course, other than Ferrari we are a little bit behind but two of our drivers had problems that cost them a lot of time today. Nevertheless, our tyres should be even better when the cars are in race trim and I am confident about tomorrow. Added to that, this is a good circuit for overtaking so the aim will be to get those cars that are further back on the grid in points-scoring positions in the race."

-bridgestone-