Montreal: Villeneuve post-qualifying interview

JACQUES VILLENEUVE, No. 32 Dollar General Toyota Camry, Braun Racing
Starting Position: 2nd

How was your battle for the pole during qualifying?

"It was fun. The car has been good all day. We concentrated mainly to be sure the car would be good on old tires and on long runs. It worked fine for qualifying. We felt we had a shot at the pole and the Dollar General crew worked really hard -- was great. Just made a little mistake in the hairpin and that cost the pole today. We're both -- Marcos (Ambrose) and I -- were a little bit on the limit. It's great to be on the front row with him. He's a tremendous road racer with past results here and at the (Watkins) Glen. It's really good to be starting on the front row. It might help us to avoid being caught in some incidents at the start and we can have a strong race."

Did you have any idea you and Marcos (Ambrose) were going back and forth for the pole in qualifying?

"No. I just know that the laps I was doing were good at the time, but I didn't think they would stick. I thought the last one was good, but there was a small chance that someone would get in -- Marcos (Ambrose), and he did. It was frustrating."

Does it mean anything special to beat Jacques (Villeneuve) for the pole in his hometown?

"Definitely. We pump each other up within the team since Watkins Glen just thinking that this race we're going to go for the pole and the win. Just missed it by a hair. So, of course it's frustrating. The feel here is amazing. It's very strong. A lot of great racers -- great road racers as well. Marcos (Ambrose) has been amazing on the road courses, as well. To be on the front row with him is fantastic. I'm very happy about that. I just wish it was the other way around. For the start tomorrow that's good. It really means we can keep our nose clean and get to racing."

-source: toyota motorsports