Pole and P10 for Ferrari in Brazil

[raif_nijem]

Engine woes hit Schumacher’s hopes


21 October 2006

Michael Schumacher is set to start no higher than tenth on the grid for his last Grand Prix after his Ferrari suffered technical problems at the start of Saturday’s final qualifying session at Interlagos.

Schumacher was first out of the pit lane at the start of the top-ten shootout, but slowed almost immediately with a fuel pressure problem. He managed to crawl back to the pits where his car was pushed straight back into the garage.

Mechanics frantically worked on the Ferrari for the rest of the 15-minute session, but were unable to resolve the issue in time for Schumacher to return to the track, leaving him tenth on the provisional grid without a Q3 time.

Despite the problem, Ferrari are hopeful that they may yet get away without having to change the engine. If that were to happen, Schumacher would be penalised and drop a further ten places back on the grid, effectively ending his chances of a final Formula One victory.

Schumacher had been favourite for pole, which eventually went to Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa. The team’s mixed fortunes have dented their chances of beating Renault to the constructors’ crown. Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella took fourth and sixth places respectively for the world champions.



selected driver quotes
Michael Schumacher, Ferrari (10th, no time):
“Of course I am disappointed, but these things can happen. At the start of Q3, the car had a fuel pressure problem and all I could do was cruise round slowly back to the pits. Now we have to find out how it happened and try and make the best of this situation. Sure, it’s a big handicap starting from tenth place. The only good part of today is that Felipe (Massa) is on pole which must be very satisfying for him here at his home race. I hope that tomorrow he can win the race.”


Felipe Massa, Ferrari (1st, 1m 10.680s):
“It’s a dream for me to be on pole here at Interlagos, wearing the colours of my country while sitting in a Ferrari. I will never forget this day! I am very happy and I want to thank the team for having provided me with a perfect car. Tomorrow, I will do my utmost to win. I know it will be a tough race but everything is in place for me to achieve that goal. I am sorry for Michael (Schumacher) who was really unlucky, just like in Suzuka. But I still believe we can get both our cars ahead of the others, which is vital if we are to win the constructors’ championship. My last lap? It was fantastic!”


Fernando Alonso, Renault (4th, 1m 11.567s):
“The target this afternoon was to be in the top five, so I am very happy with this position. Starting from the second row is perfect for our approach this weekend, and so far everything is going to plan. Obviously, the problem for Michael (Schumacher) is another bit of help for us, not just for me but for the team as well in the constructors’ championship, and we will take anything we can get. So things are looking better for us, for sure, but we cannot write him off and it doesn’t change my approach. Tomorrow, my aim will be to get a good start and fight at the front. We know that the R26 has the pace to do it.”


Schumacher will always be the best

[low_civic]

hehe...nice quotes...

[EVILZ33]

those are some good ones