German GP Saturday Ferrari notes

Hockenheim, 31st July

Mika Salo, fourth, 1.43.557, 11 laps, chassis 195 Eddie Irvine, fifth, 1.43.769, 11 laps, chassis 191

Jean Todt "It was a shame for Eddie, who for various reasons, was unable to get a single perfect lap. Salo did a good job to get on the second row of the grid. Given that our cars are better in race trim than in qualifying, I think we should see an open race tomorrow. With these high temperatures, strategy, tyres and brakes will be determining factors."

Mika Salo "I am not surprised at my performance as I am more comfortable with the car now. I am happy that we made progress throughout the weekend. I did not make any mistakes and I got what I wanted. I still have more to learn so I think there is more to come in terms of performance. The combination of me and the car is still not perfect, but I am getting closer all the time. The braking is unbelievably good on this car. Our new aerodynamic package has helped the straight line speed. On my last run I had backed off for yellow flags and I tried to brake very late, but it was too late and I went off! Fourth is good and I hope to do better tomorrow."

Eddie Irvine "At least is better to be fifth than fourth, as the outside of the track is a big advantage here. We went the wrong way with a set-up change in the middle of the session and there was no time to change it back again for my last two runs. I had a lot of traffic on my final run, which obviously did me no favours. In terms of lap time, we are closer to the front than in Austria, but we did not get the best out of the car today. We must have a good look at our qualifying performance for future races. Once again the brake balance was not perfect. But we will not have this problem in race trim. Tomorrow, if I make a good start then I can catch the front two very quickly. The rest will depend on strategy."

Temperatures: air 28 C, track 43 C