Spanish GP: Michelin Saturday qualifying notes

MONTOYA LEADS MICHELIN ATTACK IN SPAIN

Juan Pablo Montoya (BMW WilliamsF1 Team, second) heads the clutch of Michelin drivers who will line up on the first few rows of the grid for tomorrow's Spanish Grand Prix. The Colombian just edged out Takuma Sato (BAR-Honda/Michelin) and denied his rival a chance to make history as first Japanese driver to start a Formula One grand prix from the front row of the grid.

All six of Michelin's partner teams have cars in the top 10. Jarno Trulli (Renault, fourth), Ralf Schumacher (BMW WilliamsF1 Team, sixth), Olivier Panis (Toyota, seventh), Fernando Alonso (Renault, eighth), Mark Webber (Jaguar, ninth) and David Coulthard (Team McLaren Mercedes, 10th) are also strongly placed.

Jenson Button's challenge for a second consecutive F1 pole position ended when he ran wide onto the dirt at Campsa, a quick-right-hander. The BAR-Honda star lost a considerable chunk of time and qualified only 14th.

In addition his stirring qualifying performance, Sato set the fastest race lap of the weekend so far - a 1m 14.836s - during this morning's final free practice session.

Pascal Vasselon, Michelin F1 programme manager:

"Last night's rain didn't affect track conditions too dramatically. The surface was a little slippery this morning but grip swiftly returned to normal."

"We brought three dry-weather compounds to this race and our partner teams found it easy to make their final selection. Two of those options will be used in the race. Barcelona is renowned as a punishing track but we are very pleased with the way our tyres are performing. They have been fast and consistent and we have no concerns at all about their durability in racing conditions tomorrow."

-michelin-