Magny-Cours: Qualifying quotes

Gabriele TARQUINI - SEAT Sport Italia, pole position
"I dedicate this pole position to Matteo, my new born son. It was a good session for me despite making a mistake by getting a bit too close to Priaulx at one point. I was pleasantly surprised by the car, especially considering it is carrying an extra 30 kg. Plus, to break the lap record shows the car's capability and both the high performance and endurance of the tyres. I'm definitely in the right place to start the race tomorrow and despite having a BMW behind me I'm still optimistic."

Rickard RYDELL - SEAT Sport Sverige, 2nd fastest
"Gabriele and I are the two oldest members of the SEAT team so I think that shows experience counts here. I expect it will a difficult task for me at the start because the BMWs are notoriously quick off the line. When I went out on new tyres I encountered traffic, it was on third lap on these tyres that I was free to set my best time so I know there is still room to go faster. It doesn't really matter whether it is raining or dry tomorrow as long as it is clearly one or the other, if it is in between nobody knows what to expect and it's difficult."

Jorg MÜLLER BMW Team Germany, 3rd fastest
"I lost my clutch on my first lap which caused the rear to lock on the downshift, obviously making things harder for me. I am looking forward to tomorrow, it is going to be tough. There are three or four manufacturers who have the capability to win races and even more drivers - I just hope it is a clean fight. I expect to be on the podium tomorrow and I would like to be standing in the middle of the three drivers."

Tom CORONEL GR Asia, 8th fastest
"The car feels good, especially over the curbs and I don't think there are any difficulties. I was fast from the start in the free practice sessions and my times were among the works drivers so I'm happy. I like the fast chicanes here and it all looks good for the race tomorrow."

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS VISITS MAGNY-COURS

Double Champcar champion Sebastien Bourdais arrived in Magny-Cours to support his father Patrick racing in the International GT Open series. We asked for his impression on the FIA WTCC.

"It's a very interesting championship. There are important car manufacturers involved, with a number of top-level drivers and teams. The competition is great." Do you think that, sometime in the future, we may see you racing here?

"You never know. For now I'm still committed to the Champcar, but I'm leaving all the doors open. As I said there are important manufacturers who invest important budgets to compete in the WTCC with professional teams, which is something interesting for any professional driver. I don't know how long I will continue racing with single seaters, and I will be carefully watching how the WTCC develops in the near future."

The championship arrived in Magny-Cours with a French driver in the lead. What do you think about Yvan Muller's chances of claiming the world title?

"It's too early to make predictions. This is a very competitive series, but I have to say that Yvan is an excellent driver and drives for an excellent team. I think he has the same chances as the likes of Priaulx, Thompson, Tarquini, Zanardi and others. I sincerely hope he will be the World Champion."

-fia-