German GP: Michelin Saturday qualifying notes
RÄIKKÖNEN SECURES ANOTHER POLE POSITION FOR MICHELIN Kimi Räikkönen (Team McLaren Mercedes) headed qualifying for tomorrow's German Grand Prix - his first pole position of the season and Michelin's eighth. The Finn lapped the 4.574- kilometre ...
RÄIKKÖNEN SECURES ANOTHER POLE POSITION FOR MICHELIN
Kimi Räikkönen (Team McLaren Mercedes) headed qualifying for tomorrow's German Grand Prix - his first pole position of the season and Michelin's eighth. The Finn lapped the 4.574- kilometre (2.842-mile) track in 1m 14.070s to annexe top spot by 0.135s. It is the 108th pole position in Michelin's illustrious F1 world championship history.
Seven Michelin drivers from four partner teams will line up in the top 10. Jenson Button (Honda) starts fourth, ahead of Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault, fifth), Rubens Barrichello (Honda, sixth), world championship leader Fernando Alonso (Renault, seventh), Pedro de la Rosa (Team McLaren Mercedes, ninth) and David Coulthard (Red Bull Racing, 10th).
Nick Shorrock, Michelin Formula One director:
"Firstly, my compliments to Kimi on his first pole position of the season. Our partner teams have chosen to use four different products in tomorrow's race and I believe our performance today highlights Michelin's ability to make constant improvements. We took a long, hard look at ourselves following our disappointment at Magny-Cours two weeks ago. The response from everybody within the team has been fantastic and today's result reflects as much."
"It's nice to see seven Michelin drivers in the top 10, although weobviously need to work hand in hand with Renault to help them regain their customary competitiveness as they defend their lead in both world championships. The prevailing track temperatures suit the products we have available thisweekend and I am confident we will be every bit as strong in the race as we were today."
Ron Dennis, McLaren Group chairman:
"We want to be able to race aggressively tomorrow and are very happy to have secured pole position in partnership with Michelin."
Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, Team McLaren Mercedes:
"Firstly, we are all delighted to be on pole position- something that has special significance for the team in Germany. Both drivers are really pleased with the tyres Michelin has brought to Hockenheim. They delivered good first-lap performance during qualifying and in our view they'll be quick and consistent in the race."
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