30/07/2005
NEWS STORY
Juan Pablo Montoya will spearhead the Michelin challenge in tomorrow's Hungarian Grand Prix after qualifying second fastest – the first time this year that Bibendum has not annexed pole position for a Formula One race.
The company is well placed to add to its impressive seasonal tally of 11 victories from 12 events, however. Several of Michelin's partners have shown a competitive turn of speed. Jarno Trulli will line up third, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen – despite the disadvantage of running first on the road in the wake of his retirement from last weekend's German GP), Ralf Schumacher, world championship leader Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Giancarlo Fisichella, Takuma Sato, Christian Klien and Nick Heidfeld.
Renault star Fernando Alonso's qualifying lap was compromised when he ran wide onto the grass at the final corner.
Kimi Raikkonen set fastest time in this morning's free practice sessions, ahead of team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya.
Pierre Dupasquier, Michelin motorsport director: "It is shaping up to be an interesting grand prix.It will be interesting to see how the various strategies unravel. Remember, on several occasions this year we have seen Michelin drivers condemned to the lower reaches of the grid through circumstance, yet they have still come through to finish on the podium. I'm comfortable with our position and am confident our tyres will be capable of delivering yet another victory tomorrow."
Nick Shorrock, director of Michelin F1 activities: "There has not been much to choose between our two tyre compounds and both will feature in the race. Track temperatures have been up in the high 40s today and we are expecting more of the same tomorrow. It is going to be a punishing grand prix that will demand the best of drivers and tyres alike, but both Michelin compounds have demonstrated a great blend of speed and consistency throughout the past two days."
Ron Dennis, McLaren Group chairman: "I'm confident that today's grid positions reflect differing strategies– but the truth of that will only be apparent tomorrow. It is clear that we have extremely competitive Michelin tyres and fine durability."