In a very close first qualifying session that saw ten cars finish within one second of each other, Mark Webber set the fourth fastest time and Nick Heidfeld was the ninth quickest, providing the BMW WilliamsF1 Team drivers with two good starting positions for tomorrow's final qualifying.

Mark Webber: I am pleased to have set the fourth fastest time. From my perspective, I didn't make any mistakes across the lap, but I could have done better in the first sector because I feel I braked too early for turn one, but I had a very good last sector, which balanced the lap. Thanks to the team who did a great job and prepared my car really well.

Nick Heidfeld: I had to go out quite early for my qualifying lap, when track conditions were not ideal. My lap was average but I lost a bit of grip towards the end, but it was reassuring that I didn't experience any back problems at all today. I feel that my muscles have fully recovered after the problem I experienced during testing.

Sam Michael (Technical Director, WilliamsF1): It was a reasonable first qualifying for us. There is not much difference between the top drivers' lap times so it will be tight tomorrow in second qualifying. The track temperatures on Sunday morning will play a big part. The FW27 is making good progress and handling well around the Imola circuit, especially over the curbs.

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): We are relatively happy with our result today. Nick had to go out on track earlier than Mark and set good split times until the end of the second sector. Unfortunately he lacked of grip towards the end of his lap. Track conditions were good when Mark had his run. His lap was flawless and he deserves his good fourth position.