Monaco GP: Ferrari Saturday notes

Ferrari qualifying notes

Jean Todt

"For the first time this season we do not have a car on the front row. It proves that if all elements of the package are not running at a hundred percent, the others soon get ahead. We knew this would be a difficult qualifying session, because the opposition looks very strong here. Furthermore, more than at any other track, traffic is a critical factor in Monaco. That was certainly the case for both Rubens and Michael. In any case, there is still a long way to go with the race ahead of us. Even though overtaking is almost impossible here, we can still pick up important points for both championships."

Michael Schumacher

"It was a busy day. After an electrical problem in the morning, I had to abort one run when I came across a big puff of smoke in the tunnel and thought there was oil on the track. Then on one run, I had a traffic problem with Juan-Pablo, which is just down to the nature of this track and after my second run, I also picked up something in my eye. To be honest, we have been a little behind all weekend and there are more Michelin runners than usual near the top. We have always said that the situation could change very quickly and today is the proof of that. However, third place is not far behind and in race trim we should be more competitive. If we are not, then the job will be to bring the car home and pick up as many points as possible."

Rubens Barrichello

"It was not a perfect day. The car wasn't bad and had the potential to get me onto the front row. Unfortunately, traffic determined where I ended up on the grid. On my second run, I was very quick, but I was blocked by Coulthard. Then again, in the final minutes I ran into traffic. In Monaco, it's impossible to do a good time if you don't have a clear track."

Ross Brawn

"We have had more straightforward days and this time we had to fight a bit harder. The result was as good as we could have expected. I feel we have a good tyre for tomorrow and we are in a reasonable position for the race. We have said many times there will be changes and it is now obvious that the situation is not always that simple. There are some circuits where we have an advantage with Bridgestone and here, Michelin appears to have a slight advantage."

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