US GP: Bridgestone Saturday qualifying notes

Third row start for Michael Schumacher & Bridgestone

Bridgestone equipped Michael Schumacher will start tomorrow's 73-lap USA Grand Prix from the third row of the grid after qualifying in fifth place in this afternoon's qualifying session. Teammate Rubens Barrichello will line up on the fourth row after qualifying seventh.

The Bridgestone runners all used the morning's two 45-minute practice sessions to fine tune their car set-ups, with the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro pair setting the second and third fastest times in the earlier session and fourth and tenth fastest times in the latter of the sessions.

Only eight drivers, including all six Bridgestone runners, set a time in the earlier practice session. Track conditions meanwhile at the Indianapolis circuit are improving as more rubber is laid down.

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager of Bridgestone Motorsport:

"The Bridgestone tyres have been performing well here which is what we expected. Michael starts tomorrow from the third row and Rubens from the fourth row and I anticipate that they will both have a strong race. The characteristics of our tyres here should assist them with their race strategy tomorrow."

"Likewise we expect the Jordan and Minardi drivers to be fighting hard in the race. So far we have had a problem-free weekend but we are working hard with our teams to ensure all the necessary checks are carried out on our tyres ahead of tomorrow's race."

Ross Brawn, Technical Director of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro:

"We're reasonably happy with qualifying. Even though we haven't quite got the first lap, the tyres seemed very consistent this morning so I just hope we don't get stuck behind anyone at the start because if Kimi makes a break for it and we're stuck behind someone it might be difficult. But I think we have a good consistent race tyre and a good strategy. We're looking forward to the race tomorrow."

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