Monaco GP: Bridgestone Saturday qualifying notes

Michael Schumacher spearheads Bridgestone challenge

Michael Schumacher will spearhead Bridgestone Motorsport's Monaco Grand Prix challenge tomorrow after setting a time of 1min 14.516 seconds which will see him line up on the second row of the grid. In principle his time was fifth fastest but an engine change for brother Ralf earlier in the week will result in a ten place grid penalty. However, the reigning champion's time remains impressive, having fell foul of running first in the pre-qualifying session and a drop in track temperatures during his crucial flying lap.

Schumacher, who has set an impressive tally of four pole positions already this year will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with as will teammate Rubens Barrichello who will start the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix directly behind him on the third row. Fellow Bridgestone runner Giancarlo Fisichella also set a competitive time in the Sauber Petronas and he too will line up in the top ten tomorrow.

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager of Bridgestone Motorsport:

"It is always nice to take pole but second and third row starts for Michael and Rubens should give them a competitive chance tomorrow. Running early in the pre-qualifying session probably hindered them today but generally I'm satisfied with our performance. The race is over 78 laps and this, combined with a strong race strategy, should play to the strengths of the Bridgestone tyre characteristics. Giancarlo Fisichella also had a strong qualifying session, which was good to see, and he will see start from the fifth row tomorrow. All in all, it has the potential to be a very exciting race!"

Ross Brawn, Technical Director of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro:

"The final qualifying position we inherited from pre-qualifying made it difficult today. However, Monaco can throw up a lot of surprises in the race so we shall prepare well and see what develops tomorrow. The Bridgestone tyres are consistent and working well this weekend but the weather and the running order the fact that we were first out with Michael conspired against us in the final qualifying session. The sun went in and the track temperature dropped during their runs. But I'm optimistic for the race and looking forward to it."

-bridgestone-