Monaco GP Ferrari Saturday notes

Michael Schumacher: 1st, 1:19.475, 12 laps, chassis 198
Rubens Barrichello: 6th, 1:20.416, 12 laps, chassis 202

Temperatures: air 27 °C, track 48 °C

Jean Todt:
“This is Ferrari’s third pole of the season and Michael’s second. We are happy with the result. Michael put on a great performance, while Rubens is on the third row with a car which he felt was a bit nervous. Tomorrow, this race which is always long and tough, will be even more so because of the heat. We will have to make a good start and then run reliably. Strategy will be very important.“

Michael Schumacher:
“This was almost a perfect session, except that I had some understeer, which might have cost me one or two tenths. Being on pole with Mika fifth is a good situation for the start and gives us a cushion for the race, but in the past people have won from further back. But it is a long race here and anything can happen. My car was not perfectly balanced for the first two runs, which is why I brushed the barriers a couple of times. I thought they needed repainting! A good start will be vital, but being on pole is not so important. Being on the front row is all that matters.“

Rubens Barrichello:
“I did all I could in this qualifying session on a track which I like a lot. However, I was unable to improve on the car’s performance from this morning. I am happy for Michael who did a brilliant job. Yesterday we did some good work, but there are still some aspects of the set-up to improve on as the car feels nervous. If we can find the right solution, I am sure I can have a good race.”