German GP: Bridgestone Saturday notes

Michael back on pole at home

New world champion Michael Schumacher will start his home grand prix from pole position, the first time he has been on the front of the grid since the Spanish Grand Prix in April. The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver traded the top spot with his team-mate Rubens Barrichello for much of the hour-long qualifying session, eventually confirming it with his last flying lap. Ralf Schumacher will join his brother on the front row for tomorrow's race with Rubens in third place.

While Ferrari dominated the session, other drivers on Bridgestone tyres had a rewarding day. Giancarlo Fisichella, who is back in the car this weekend after missing the French Grand Prix, qualified 6th for DHL Jordan Honda. Olivier Panis was just behind him in 7th for Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda, while Nick Heidfeld in 10th place made five Bridgestone cars in the top ten.

Ross Brawn, technical director, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

"At last! It has been a little too long since we had pole position but I also think we can change the other recent trend and win the race from pole. It was a very exciting qualifying. The car was reasonable and our tyre choice will put us in very good shape for the race. It is a well designed track whereby if a driver does make a mistake he can get back on the track thanks to the run-off areas, so I think that is why we have seen drivers pushing it to the limit this weekend."

Gary Anderson, head of race and test engineering, DHL Jordan Honda

"Giancarlo has been very focused this weekend, he has worked hard and deserves his position on the grid tomorrow. We cannot foresee any problems with the tyres in the race but for us to do well at the moment we have to qualify well and we achieved that today."

Hisao Suganuma, technical manager, Bridgestone Motorsport

"Overall, a very good result for Bridgestone, and it is great to see one of our cars back on pole. Our qualifying performance perhaps has not been as good as it should have been recently and we have been working on that. As well as Ferrari, it is very good to see cars from three other teams in the top ten and I hope they are able to make the most of the advantage they have gained today in the race. It should be an interesting day tomorrow."

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