Canadian GP: Bridgestone Saturday qualifying notes

Bridgestone teams well placed to mount Canadian advance

Bridgestone Motorsport's teams are all set for a thrilling Canadian Grand Prix tomorrow afternoon after a scintillating qualifying session which saw Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello set sixth and seventh fastest times. The pair have a challenge on their hands but have confidence in their Bridgestone shod Ferrari that has produced no fewer than six wins and a total of eleven podium positions this season alone.

The Sauber Petronas team is looking similarly confident despite Felipe Massa picking up a puncture on the out lap of his final qualifying run. Both he and teammate Giancarlo Fisichella have been running well in the practice sessions so far this weekend and they will be gunning for more points to consolidate their fifth place in the Constructors' rankings.

Jordan Ford, meanwhile, has had a temporary change of driver as Friday test driver Timo Glock steps in for the absent Giorgio Pantano but they and Wilux Minardi Cosworth's Zsolt Baumgartner and Gianmaria Bruni can be expected to mount a strong challenge in tomorrow's 70-lap race.

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager of Bridgestone Motorsport:

"Well, you can't have them all! Obviously it's a little disappointing not to see a Bridgestone car on pole but that is racing for you and is all part of the challenge. It's going to be tough tomorrow but I do expect to see all the Bridgestone teams fighting strongly tomorrow. Through practice yesterday and today, we've seen that the Bridgestone tyre has good consistency which leads me to believe the Bridgestone teams will certainly be competitive in the race. The forecast is for warmer weather for race day which means tougher conditions for the tyres but we don't anticipate that causing us any problems."

Ross Brawn, Technical Director of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro:

"I'm always an optimist and we've seen on the long runs what a consistent race tyre we have. In fact the tyre has been getting quicker so I'm satisfied we've got the right tyres for the race. The forecast is for even hotter weather so we're happy with our tyre selection. It will be a challenge tomorrow but that's no bad thing it'll keep us sharp. I'm actually looking forward to it. With the right strategy we'll have a good race."

-bridgestone-