Spanish GP Ferrari race notes

Spanish Grand Prix Schumacher 3rd, Irvine 4th Michael Schumacher: 65 laps, third at 10.845s Eddie Irvine: 65 laps, fourth at 30.182s

Jean Todt "We knew this would be a tough event. The start was the key to the result, when Villeneuve managed to get into third place at the first corner, ahead of both Ferraris. The 24 laps spent behind him did not allow us to exploit our strategy in the way we would have wished. Before the second pit stop, Michael had caught up with Coulthard and Eddie was comfortably fourth. Despite a great job from the team, Michael just missed out by the tiniest of margins on getting ahead of the Scotsman. The cars were reliable and mow we must look ahead and work on improving our qualifying performance."

Michael Schumacher "The car felt better today in the race than it did in qualifying. I was stuck behind Villeneuve for a long time in the early part of the race. I might have been able to move up from third to second, if I had not been delayed by another car when I came in to the pits for my second stop. We knew this was going to be a difficult circuit for us, but all weekend we performed better than I had expected and a big part of that is down to the team. Thanks to them, I managed to pick up another four valuable points. It's good to know we are not far off the pace as we now head for circuits which should suit our car better than here."

Eddie Irvine "I got off the line well, but then I had too much wheelspin. I was surprised at the lack of traction. Being on the dirty side of the track certainly did not help. Coulthard was very close and braked earlier than I expected, so I had to brake too, which allowed Villeneuve to come past. My only actual problem was when the fuel flap came open. I don't think we should have so much testing at the same track the week before a Grand Prix as it always seems to make for a dull race. I wish I had my stereo in the car to keep me amused!"

Chassis: Schumacher no. 194, Irvine no. 191 Temperatures: air 25-27C, track 35-42C