US GP: Ferrari Saturday qualifying notes

US GP - Qualifying

Jean Todt:

"Strategy, reliability, consistent performance from the tyres -- these will be, as usual in fact, the decisive factors in tomorrow's race. If we can operate at a maximum level for all these elements, then I am sure we can aspire to a good result. Now, we just have to see if we can attain this objective."

Michael Schumacher:

"I am quite happy with my qualifying performance and actually, fifth place is better than fourth on this grid as the other side is dirtier. Although I am not really sure why, it was already clear yesterday that we seem to be more competitive here than at some of the other tracks we have visited this year."

"I hope that we will find out tomorrow that we qualified with a heavier fuel load than our rivals, or at least closer in terms of fuel load than we were in Canada and I am hopeful of finishing on the podium tomorrow. As for Ralf, I spoke to him this morning and I think the decision not to race is the right one."

Rubens Barrichello:

"I think we had a good qualifying, even if we could have done a bit better. However, a place on the fourth row is not that bad, as it is possible to overtake at this track. I expect that, as we have seen so far, we will be stronger in the race. That has been our strong point this season and also in the past at this circuit."

Ross Brawn:

"We are reasonably happy with qualifying, Once again, we know we don't quite have the performance level over a single lap, but the Bridgestone tyres were very consistent in this morning's practice, so we can look forward to a good race."

"We just have to hope our drivers don't get stuck behind anyone at the start, because if Kimi makes a break at the front and we are trapped, it could be difficult. We can have a strong race and we have a good strategy for tomorrow."

Michael Schumacher: 5th
1:11.369, 3 laps
Chassis: 245

Rubens Barrichello: 7th
1:11.431, 3 laps
Chassis: 246

-ferrari-