Formula 1

San Marino GP: Ferrari Saturday qualifying notes

Schumacher is in the first row, Barrichello is fourth Jean Todt: "For the first time this season, we do not have a Ferrari on pole position. Doubtless, it will not be the last, just as there will be races where we will be back at the head of the ...

Edited: Apr 25, 2004, 2:09 AM

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Schumacher is in the first row, Barrichello is fourth

Jean Todt:

"For the first time this season, we do not have a Ferrari on pole position. Doubtless, it will not be the last, just as there will be races where we will be back at the head of the field in qualifying. Michael was on an amazing lap, but a small off-track excursion in the third sector cost him first place and so he finds himself starting from 'only' second. Rubens was also going well, but he was not impeccable in the final section of the track and so maybe he could have been a bit higher up the order."

"However, 'ifs' and 'buts' count for nothing in the end! The car, the engine, the Bridgestone tyres, Shell's fuel and lubricants: we have everything in place to put up a good fight in tomorrow's race. Racing in front of our fans and employees of the Ferrari Maserati Group who will be here with their families will give us an additional boost to give it our best and do well."

Michael Schumacher:

"Once I saw that Jenson had done a good lap, I knew that for me it was a case of all or nothing. So I tried very hard, but I overdid it at the Variante Alta. I was actually lucky not to go off the track and spin. But even without that moment, I do not think I would have been quick enough for pole. I think it will be an interesting race tomorrow and a tight battle, especially the run down to the first corner, given the potential of the drivers at the front end of the grid. I was happy with my car today, although I did not have much grip in pre-qualifying as, once again I was the "road sweeper" being first out on track."

Rubens Barrichello:

"Together with the engineers, we improved my car a lot compared to yesterday, when I was unhappy with the set-up. In qualifying I was on a good lap, but it was not perfect in the final sector, which cost me precious time and positions. However, I am still confident for the race. We know we can count on a really good car and the Bridgestone tyres which we can rely on to go well even over a long distance."

Ross Brawn:

"It was a very exciting qualifying session, probably the most unpredictable so far this season. Obviously, we are a bit disappointed not to be on pole in Imola, but we believe we have what we need to be competitive tomorrow, given that we still have both cars on the front two rows of the grid. Michael's final sector didn't quite come together and the same went for Rubens, who also lost a bit in the final part of the track, having managed, along with his engineers, to significantly improve his car compared to yesterday's free practice."

Michael Schumacher: 2nd
1.20.011 3 laps
chassis 234

Rubens Barrichello: 4th
1.20.451 3 laps
chassis 236

-ferrari-

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