17/06/2005
NEWS STORY
Jean Todt: "We are happy to be here in Indianapolis and in the United States, which is our biggest market. Even if Formula 1 is not yet as big a draw as it is in other parts of the world, Ferrari is a very famous name here. Turning to the track now, it was the usual Friday. We worked on finding the best set-up, which requires a compromise between the section of the track on the oval and that on the infield, which is much slower. We also ran a comparison between the two types of tyre at our disposal. I have to say that, looking at the way things went today, we seem to have done a good job along with Bridgestone, in preparing for this weekend, at a track where we have always gone well."
Rubens Barrichello: "It has been a long time since we have had such a good Friday. I am happy with the set-up, with the balance of the car and the Bridgestone tyres. We look much more competitive than we have done at some of the other races. We still have quite a bit of work to do to ensure we maintain this level in qualifying. I like this track and the atmosphere is very relaxed here. We had no problems today and that meant we were able to get through all our programme. Michael and I are doing similar lap times, even though we are running slightly different set-up on our cars. We have done well here in the past and let's hope that continues this weekend."
Michael Schumacher: "Everything went quite well today and we were able to cure a balance problem I had early in the morning session. We are looking good for a Friday, especially if you compare our performance with that in Canada a week ago. The track seems much smoother with the new surface, particularly in the area of the start-finish line. Now we must wait and see what we can do in qualifying, when it will be good that I will be making my run towards the end of the session. As for Ralf's accident, I was just coming back to the pits when it happened, so the first thing I knew about it was seeing him get out of the car unaided and walk away. I am glad he is okay and also glad that the modifications we asked for to be made to the wall were carried out, after his accident there last year."
Ross Brawn: "We had a trouble-free practice today and we made good progress between the first and second sessions, making adjustments to the cars that seemed to work. We got through all our programme and made a good job of the tyre comparison task. We will have to study the data carefully now, but I think we know which of the two types of Bridgestone tyre we want to use. The softer tyre is obviously quicker, but it also seems consistent, so now we just have to do a projection to see what the wear figures are likely to be on Sunday afternoon."