Magny-Cours top qualifying notes

Top Qualifying

Weather: Sunshine but breezy

Nicola Larini (Alfa Romeo) 1st: "The lap was not perfect. I lost time with understeer, especially in the 180 Hairpin. I think the track was better than yesterday."

Alessandro Nannini (Alfa Romeo) 2nd: "I'm pleased but I hope that there is a little more to gain tomorrow. It's good to start from the front row and not to have any team orders."

Bernd Schneider (Mercedes) 3rd: "I was sliding all through the last corner so I was quite pleased with my time, particularly as I'm carrying 50 kgs more than most people."

Giancarlo Fisichella (Alfa Romeo) 4th: "I was quite pleased with this lap even though I wasn't too sure about the car's set-up. I would have liked more time this morning but I think that we are in a good position for a very strong race tomorrow."

Dario Franchitti (Mercedes) 5th: "I just went too fast in the high speed chicane and ran off the road. I'm upset but even so I didn't lose too much time. 5th position means I'll have to overtake several guys wich will produce more fun and excitement for me."

Jan Magnussen (Mercedes) 6th: "I could have gone quicker but had too much understeer."

Klaus Ludwig (Opel) 7th: "On one hand I'm quite pleased, but, on the other, I had a brake problem. The front brakes locked several times, losing me a second but tomorrow is another day. I think the races will be decided right at the end by tyre wear so I'm quite confident."

Manuel Reuter (Opel) 8th: "I'm very disappointed. The engine just seemed down on power."

Stefano Modena (Alfa Romeo) 9th: "I made a mistake at the Adelaide hairpin and took it in second gear rather than first. That lost me at least two tenths of a second."

Yannick Dalmas (Opel) 10th: "The track surface changed from yesterday, but my car was the same so I had less grip everywhere."

Michael Bartels (Alfa Romeo) 11th: "Not very happy with the car, it had too much oversteer. But the races are long and there will be plenty of chances to make places."

Gabriele Tarquini (Alfa Romeo) 12th: Spun across the finish line. "I only lost a few tenths of a second in the spin but I think the track was slower anyway. I was just happy not to hit the wall!"

Keke Rosberg (Opel) 14th: "The car was sliding in every corner. There's a light year between me and the quickest Alfa Romeo."

JJ Lehto (Opel) 15th: "It's still the same - no grip, but it seems that the tyres will work better in the races rather than in the qualifying sessions."