US GP Ferrari Saturday notes

Michael Schumacher
”We have been strong all weekend in the final sector, because our straightline speed has been fastest. I didn’t bother with the final run, because by then, I knew we had got the best set-up on the car and I had got the most I could out of it and out of myself. You can never be sure that someone won’t go quicker, but it turned out alright in the end. The only worry I had before the qualifying session was that we had to change the engine after this morning’s problem and it was not the same specification as the first one. But I can’t complain about the engine I had it as it felt very good. I think the run to the first corner after the start will be exciting tomorrow.”

Rubens Barrichello
“The car was balanced this afternoon. I did my first run on used tyres, because this morning we had seen that this gave a better balance and as things turned out, that’s how I did my best time. On the second run I tried the tactic of slipstreaming but unfortunately it did not work. Finally, on my last two runs, both done on four new tyres, the track conditions meant I could not improve my time. Nevertheless, I have a good grid position. Overtaking is possible here, so I reckon I can have a good race.”

Jean Todt
“A tenth pole position this season represents a personal best for Michael Schumacher, while Ferrari has now equalled the result it obtained in 1974 and 2000. After this morning’s free practice it was necessary to change the engine in Schumacher’s car because of an oil pump problem. Rubens has a good grid position from which to try and improve his standing in the Drivers’ classification. I expect a hard fought race tomorrow on a track where overtaking is a possibility. I am happy to see a Ferrari on pole here for a second consecutive year on such a famous circuit and in front of the American public.”

Ross Brawn
“It’s very good to see Michael on form again. Monza was just a glitch! Considering we are the only Bridgestone runner to have chosen the hard tyre, I think it is a good achievement. Now we will find out if it gives us a better tyre for the race. I think the choice of tyre might have had something to do with Rubens not setting such a good time, even though he has a good grid position. In Michael’s case we have also saved a set of tyres for the race. I also expect Rubens to have a good day tomorrow, because although today’s result was not the best, his performance in the last three races has been very strong.”

Chassis
Schumacher: F2001-213
Barrichello: F2001-206