German GP: Jaguar Saturday qualifying notes

After a faultless performance yesterday in the first qualifying session, drivers Mark Webber and Justin Wilson today suffered the unforgiving consequences of making errors under the one-lap qualifying format. Both drivers experienced a relatively trouble free morning in the build-up sessions and with a soaring track temperature of 44 degrees celsius, the conditions were set for what the team hoped was two Jaguars in the top ten again.

Both drivers drove determined laps and with the charge for maximum positions, made an error each which cost them a few places on the grid for tomorrow's German Grand Prix. Mark will start the race from 11th position on the grid while newcomer Justin is placed in 16th position. Again, the weather is expected to be very hot and tyre choice will subsequently be critical in the quest for championship points.

Dr Mark Gillan - Head of Vehicle Performance:

"While we should have been higher up the order today, we must respect the fact that we all have a very long, gruelling and what looks to be a very hot race ahead of us tomorrow. Our strategy for tomorrow is in good shape and we certainly do not blame our drivers for what was nothing more than commitment in action. Both drivers over-cooked the car and driving to the limit is what they are here to do, albeit sometimes it is easy to over-step the limit."

"Mark was doing another excellent job until turn 16 where he ran too wide and lost a few tenths. Justin suffered from understeer in the last two corners and then in an effort to make up the lost time, pushed too hard. It is disappointing because it does not reflect the true pace of the car. Mark managed a 16.4sec lap this morning in the Free Practice sessions - almost three tenths faster than his qualifying effort and that's what we were aiming for this afternoon. Both drivers are some what disappointed with themselves but we'll pick ourselves up and focus on what will be a very tough race tomorrow for all concerned."

Mark Webber:

"A relatively clean lap but I lost time in the penultimate corner that cost me around three to four tenths. I could have been up there with Alonso and Coulthard but that's one lap qualifying for you. There simply isn't any margin for a mistake and when it does happen, the price to be paid is high. We've done a lot of good preparation in the run-up to this session and it is disappointing not to have got the maximum out of it. On the other hand, if you don't push to the limits, you may as well go home. Today, I pushed but slightly over-stepped the fine-line. Nonetheless, we are running an honest race strategy for tomorrow and we'll endeavour to do our absolute best in the search for any points that the front- runners leave behind."

Justin Wilson:

"Like Mark, I just pushed way too hard towards the end of the lap to give my lap time a push. I lost a fair bit of time in the last sector but that's where my inexperience with Jaguar and Michelin comes in. While I am not making any excuses, the fact is that I have never driven the car in anger until this weekend and consequently my knowledge of the Michelin tyre performance is limited given that I have come from a Bridgestone team in Minardi. Understanding what the car and tyres are capable of will take a bit of time but in the meantime, I am very pleased with the way things are going at Jaguar. The car is great to drive and I am certainly looking forward to going racing with it tomorrow."

Mark Webber
Position: 11th
Best time: 1:16.775
Chassis: R4-04
T-Car: R4-03

Justin Wilson
Position: 16th
Best time: 1:18.021
Chassis: R4-05

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