21/04/2006
NEWS STORY
Jean Todt: We are happy to be here in Imola in front of so many Ferrari fans, including those members of the Scuderia Ferrari Club, who have their own grandstand and gave Michael and Felipe a really warm welcome when the drivers went to greet them between the two sessions. As for the work on track, it was the usual Friday, dedicated to evaluating the two types of tyre and setting up the cars. From what we could see and allowing for the usual factors relating to fuel loads and tyre usage for the other teams, we can say that the 248 F1-Bridgestone tyre combination seems to be competitive. Now we have to work on making a further step forward for qualifying and the race.
Michael Schumacher: We are happy with the work done today, which has left me in a positive mood. I see no reason to be pessimistic, even though that doesn't mean we were slow at the previous races. We have made progress in various areas and even if they are only minor things, all put together they have produced a good step forward. The whole package is working better and therefore the car is quicker. I think we can fight for pole tomorrow and I even believe we can be in the hunt for the win on Sunday. I say it again, I am optimistic.
Felipe Massa: All in all, I am happy with what we achieved today. In the morning, we struggled a bit to find the best set-up, however we improved the car in the afternoon. I used the same set of tyres throughout the two hours to prepare as well as possible for the race. I think we now have a good starting point for the rest of the weekend. I am happy to be here at Imola for the first time as a Ferrari driver and hope to give the fans something to cheer about.
Ross Brawn: A good day's work. The progress we saw at the Barcelona test has been confirmed in these two hours of practice and the new aerodynamic package seems to be working particularly well, as does the engine. The engine was an area where we experienced some difficulties in the last two races, but now we are back to normal. We compared the two types of tyre supplied by Bridgestone and now we have to look at the data to make the right choice. Both types seemed up to the task, which is a sign that we have also made progress on this front.