Hungarian GP Bridgestone Saturday notes

It took Michael Schumacher just six of the 12 laps allowed in qualifying to claim the all-important pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix. With overtaking virtually impossible on this tight and twisty track, starting from the front of the grid will give the Ferrari driver a significant advantage in the race as he attempts to wrap up the 2001 world championship. His closest rival David Coulthard will start alongside him in the West McLaren Mercedes, with Rubens Barrich*ll o in the other Ferrari in third place. Jarno Trulli qualified in fifth spot for Benson & Hedges Jordan Honda, while Mika Hakkinen was sixth.

Ross Brawn Technical Director Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
An exceptional performance by Michael, but he has looked good all weekend. He arrived in very good shape, and I think the fact that he was able to win the championship with Ferrari last year has made this year less stressful for him. I don't see any signs of pressure, he is very relaxed and driving very well, and really the pressure is on the other guys. We could not be in a better position, now we just have to finish the job tomorrow. Good qualifying and a good start are as important here as in Monaco so if we can find a set-up for the race, Michael is in with a great chance. All in all a superb effort, and we even managed to keep two sets of new tyres for Michael."

Adrian Newey Technical Director West McLaren Mercedes
"Typical Hungary really. If you get the balance right then you can put in good lap times, but if the balance is not quite right then you lose quite a lot because there are so many corners here. David seemed to be happier with the balance than Mika. I imagine most people will do two stops, and while there may be an opportunity to overtake during the pit stops, overtaking on the circuit is next to impossible here. We were happy with the performance of the Bridgestone tyres."

Hisao Suganuma Technical Manager Bridgestone Motorsport
"A very encouraging session for us with virtually all our teams putting in strong performances. Our drivers were almost evenly split on the tyre they chose for qualifying and, therefore, the race, with five opting for one specification and seven choosing the other. I think this proves that both options we brought here suit the teams well, with the effect that the different specifications have on the handling generally being the influential factor in their choice. Our cars were able to go quicker through the corners, which is where the tyres are being worked the hardest. The obvious advantage they had today makes things look promising for the race tomorrow."

-Bridgestone