Monaco GP: Ferrari Thursday qualifying notes

Monaco GP - Ferrari first and second

Jean Todt:

"The outcome of this first day in Monaco can only be described as positive. The times set today mean that our two drivers will do their runs at the end of Saturday afternoon's qualifying, which should give us a slight advantage. This morning we worked extensively on tyre choice. As usual, Bridgestone has done a great job in providing us with the appropriate tyres. Now we must wait for the race to see where we really stand compared with our opponents."

"Here, possibly more than at any track, chosing the right strategy is important, given that prior to qualifying, we must establish how much fuel to carry for Saturday afternoon and Sunday. We are confident that we have done a good job on a very unusual track. Both drivers did very well on a fascinating and demanding circuit. Both Michael and Rubens appear to have arrived here in great form."

Michael Schumacher:

"I am happy with my time this afternoon, because the track was quite slippery as I was only the second car to run. Right since the start of the morning session, my car has been very well balanced, which obviously helped me do a good time. It is always difficult to predict what can happen here in Monaco, but we can be confident for the rest of the weekend, as the car is working well and we have identified our tyre choice early, so now and on Saturday morning, we can concentrate on establishing the right fuel strategy for final qualifying and the race."

Rubens Barrichello:

"I am pretty satisfied with this result. This morning, at the start of free practice, the car was not perfect, but then we made some changes and the situation improved considerably. It was important to get near the top today in order to be among the last to run in Saturday's qualifying."

Ross Brawn:

"It was a good session, but the track conditions changed a lot throughout qualifying; not so good at the start, then gradually improving, before getting worse once the oil was put down. The car worked well and so did the tyres, which has allowed us to identify quickly our tyre choice for the rest of the weekend and both our drivers are satisfied with it. So, I think we will be competitive. Now we will have to concentrate on finding the right strategy for the race."

Michael Schumacher 1st
1.16.305 3 laps
chassis 229

Rubens Barrichello 2nd
1.16.636 3 laps
chassis 228

-ferrari-