Qualifying session
Michael Schumacher: 12th 1.34.072 3 laps chassis 241
Rubens Barrichello: 14th 1.34.162 3 laps chassis 240
Temperatures: air 35/36°C, track 49/50° C

Jean Todt: “It was a very difficult qualifying for us and we are unhappy with the result. We reckoned we would be competitive in the race, but we were also aware that, at the moment, our package is not sufficiently competitive over a single timed lap. I do not expect tomorrow morning’s qualifying to significantly shake up today’s order and so we can expect a very tough race, complicated by not starting from the front row, with all the risks that can entail. One thing is certain: we will tackle the race with maximum determination, with the aim of bringing home as many points as possible.”

Michael Schumacher: “Naturally, I am not happy with the way things went. Yesterday and after the first 45 minutes of today’s practice, the situation seemed better, but already in the last free practice, we begun to understand that we would be struggling. It’s clear that, on a quick lap, with new tyres, our performance is not at the same level as our rivals, but we know that over a distance things are different, as indeed we saw yesterday. And that’s what counts, isn’t it? So I still expect to be competitive in tomorrow’s race, while I don’t think things will change significantly in second qualifying. It’s a very long and tough race and our aim is to finish in the points, if not on the podium.”

Rubens Barrichello: “To be honest, I am very disappointed because this morning we were looking better than in qualifying when I just did not have enough grip. It was a bit of a struggle. However, the balance of the car was okay and I think my tyre choice will mean that I will be much stronger than this in the race on Sunday.”

Ross Brawn: “Obviously, this was a disappointing session for us. Tomorrow, we have the second session on the same set of tyres and with the fuel load with which we will start the race. We are hopeful that we will be able to recover at least some of the ground we have lost today. Both drivers are happy with their car balance and we will be trying to go well in the race, knowing that we can bank on consistency in performance and a good race pace.”

2005 Malaysian Grand Prix - Main Page
2005 Malaysian Grand Prix - Team and Driver Saturday Qualifying Reports Page

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