Monaco GP Thursday Ferrari notes

Monte Carlo, 13th May

Michael Schumacher: first, 1m 22.718, 32 laps Eddie Irvine: fourth, 1m 23.396, 41 laps

Jean Todt "We worked mainly on race set-up today. The overall situation looks good. However, we must bear in mind this is only the first day of free practice when it is difficult to make comparisons with the opposition. It is clear that the Bridgestone tyres are performing very well on our car and we are working well with their staff. Tomorrow is unusual, in that we have an extra day to work on the cars. On Saturday, we will concentrate on qualifying which is particularly important on this circuit."

Michael Schumacher "It was good fun driving on the Monaco circuit today. The set-up was correct right from the start. This morning I hit the barrier after a track rod broke in the chicane. This was a bit frightening as I only had one wheel steering. We did a good job today and for a change, I think today's order gives us a fairly accurate picture of what we can expect in qualifying. A big compliment to Bridgestone, whose tyres worked really well here. We are quicker than last year in several parts of the circuit."

Eddie Irvine "I think we are looking quite good and I have nothing to complain about. I spent the whole day getting rid of understeer, because it is the worst complaint to have here: the less I had, the quicker I went. I know what tyres I want to use and now we must concentrate on finding the best qualifying set-up. I still have to work on my driving at a couple of corners. On Saturday, the main concern will be traffic, as it was very bad today."

Chassis: Schumacher no. 193, Irvine no. 191 Temperatures: air 18-20 C, track 26 C