Canadian GP: Bridgestone Saturday notes

The Canadian Grand Prix is renowned for being a race of attrition but today's qualifying also took its toll with a number of spins and stoppages and a last minute shower. Michael Schumacher was unable to improve on his best time when the rain came at the end, leaving him in second place on the grid for tomorrow's race with a 1:13.018. His Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro teammate Rubens Barrichello qualified 3rd. There were five other cars on Bridgestone tyres in the top 12, led by Giancarlo Fisichella in 6th place for DHL Jordan Honda just ahead of Nick Heidfeld in the Sauber Petronas. Canadian Jacques Villeneuve qualified 9th on his Bridgestone tyres.

Bridgestone Results
2nd Michael Schumacher 1:13.018; 3rd Rubens Barrichello 1:13.280; 6th Giancarlo Fisichella 1:14.132; 7th Nick Heidfeld 1:14.139; 9th Jacques Villeneuve 1:14.564; 11th Olivier Panis 1:14.713; 12th Felipe Massa 1:14.823; 15th Takuma Sato 1:14.940; 17th Enrique Bernoldi 1:15.102; 19th Heinz-Harald Frentzen 1:15.115.

Ross Brawn, technical director, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
"Generally a good qualifying spoiled at the end by the rain which prevented us from improving but it looks close enough to be an interesting race. We expected it to rain at the end but the track wasn't very good at the beginning either so we were a bit sandwiched. We did not get the best out of the car but we have done plenty of race work this weekend which is important. We are confident with our tyre choice for the race because the Bridgestone tyres seem very consistent."

Gary Anderson, head of race and test engineering, DHL Jordan Honda
"We have been in reasonable shape all weekend so it was a case of trying to get the best out of the car for a good qualifying lap. This morning we ran with extra fuel so we knew there was more to come this afternoon. The tyres seem very consistent after the first few laps so we are looking forward to a good race tomorrow."

Hisao Suganuma, technical manager, Bridgestone Motorsport
"One of our cars on the front row and seven in the top 12 is a pretty good result but I feel there was a little more to be had today if it had not been for the change in the weather at the end. Nevertheless, I think our performance demonstrates that we have done some good development work following last year's race and I am confident that will be confirmed tomorrow."