By Michelin Sport
July 30 2006

Kimi Raikkonen headed qualifying for tomorrow's German Grand Prix – his first pole position of the season and Michelin's eighth. The Finn lapped the 2.842-mile track in 1:14.070 to annexe top spot by 0.135s. It is the 108th pole position in Michelin's illustrious F1 world championship history. Seven Michelin drivers from four partner teams will line up in the top 10. Jenson Button starts fourth, ahead of Giancarlo Fisichella, Rubens Barrichello, world championship leader Fernando Alonso, Pedro de la Rosa and David Coulthard.

Nick Shorrock
Formula One Director
Michelin

"Firstly, my compliments to Kimi on his first pole position of the season. Our partner teams have chosen to use four different products in tomorrow's race and I believe our performance today highlights Michelin's ability to make constant improvements. We took a long, hard look at ourselves following our disappointment at Magny-Cours two weeks ago. The response from everybody within the team has been fantastic and today's result reflects as much.

"It's nice to see seven Michelin drivers in the top 10, although we obviously need to work hand in hand with Renault to help them regain their customary competitiveness as they defend their lead in both world championships.

"The prevailing track temperatures suit the products we have available this weekend and I am confident we will be every bit as strong in the race as we were today."