PressClub Global · Article.
San Marino GP - Final Qualifying
Sun Apr 24 10:00:00 CEST 2005 Press Release
This morning's rain changed track conditions but ultimately didn't alter the final outcome from first qualifying for Mark Webber and Nick Heidfeld, who will start this afternoon's race in 4th and 9th position respectively.
Press Contact.
Joerg Kottmeier
BMW Group
Tel: +49-89-382-23401
Fax: +49-89-382-28567
send an e-mail
Author.
Joerg Kottmeier
BMW Group
Weather: overcast, drying out. Air 16-17°C, Track 16-20°C
Imola (ITA). This morning's rain changed track conditions but ultimately didn't
alter the final outcome from first qualifying for Mark Webber and Nick
Heidfeld, who will start this afternoon's race in 4th and 9th position
respectively. Nick, however, has gained a grid position due to Felipe Massa
suffering a ten position demotion for an engine change.
Driver - Qualifying Saturday - Qualifying Sunday - Final Position / Aggregate
Time
Webber - 4th / 1:20.442 - 7th / 1:24.069 - 5th / 2:44:511
Heidfeld - 9th / 1:20.807 - 10th / 1:24.389 - 9th / 2:45.196
Mark Webber:
Chassis: FW27 05 / BMW P84/5 engine : 2nd GP
I had a good lap but I wasn't quick enough to keep Jenson Button behind me like
yesterday, but still I am starting from a good place on the grid and I think we
are well set for this afternoon. It will be interesting to see how the various
strategies unfold in the race.
Nick Heidfeld:
Chassis: FW27 04 (T-car FW27 02) / BMW P84/5 engine : 1st GP
Qualifying was difficult for everyone today as the track was still damp in some
places after this morning's rain. That said, it dried quite quickly as more and
more cars ran on track and it was fine when I completed my lap. From the first
session I have dropped a position to Sato, but we are going in the right
direction and I am confident for the race.
Sam Michael (Technical Director, WilliamsF1):
We have had a good second qualifying session and both cars ran without any
problems. A solid race strategy is what is required now. There was a lot of
progression of the circuit's grip level during the first part of the session
due to the rain earlier this morning.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
Initially, it seemed as if both our drivers had lost a position each from the
first qualifying result - interestingly both against a BAR car. But because of
Michael's mistake, they have held their positions from yesterday, and in fact,
Nick is gaining one grid position as he is benefiting from Felipe Massa's
engine change. Considering our positions after the first qualifying session, we
are happy with the final positions of fourth and eighth. What these grid
position mean will ultimately depend on the timing of the first pit stops.
Weather is also an uncertainty.