San Marino GP: Bridgestone Saturday notes

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello rewarded their loyal and enthusiastic fans with a one-two in qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix. The reigning world champion snatched pole position from his teammate, having started his last lap seconds before the hour-long session was up.

Only a fraction of a second split the German from Barrichello, who could not beat his own fastest time set on his second flying lap half way through the session. Nick Heidfeld was the next best Bridgestone driver in 7th place for Sauber Petronas.

All the other Bridgestone runners will start the race together, lined up from 10th to 15th place on the grid. Enrique Bernoldi was forced to qualify in the OrangeArrows T-car.

Hisao Suganuma, technical manager, Bridgestone Motorsport
First of all, in this morning's early damp conditions, the top ten fastest times on intermediate tyres were set by cars on Bridgestone tyres so I think that proves that our new version intermediate is extremely competitive. In the second practice session, all our teams had a chance to run the dry tyres for the first time this weekend so that helped with qualifying. It was an exciting session with a great result. We worked hard to develop the tyres for this race and our teams have rewarded us with grid positions that we hope will bring them maximum points tomorrow.

Ross Brawn, technical director, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
Rubens found the right set-up earlier than Michael and did a super job with his best lap. At that time it seemed difficult to know how Michael would match it but the guys made some adjustments to his car at the end and it all came together. The tyres did a very good job today. We haven't done enough running on them yet to know how they will perform in the race but they were certainly very quick which is encouraging. From the running we did this morning, they also seem to be consistent and we are very pleased at this stage. We need to make good starts, have a good strategy and, of course, we have to finish the race but if we can put all those things together I think we have a good chance tomorrow.