By Phil Giles
June 10 2006

Tiago Monteiro today became Midland's first driver to enter the second phase of qualifying, posting the 13th fastest time during the first session for the British Grand Prix.

Continuing to show strength from yesterdays practice sessions, the Portuguese driver not only beat team mate Christijan Albers but the likes of Jenson Button and Mark Webber.

Leaving it very late in the second session, Tiago came out with about four minutes to go. Tiago matched Scott Speed's times but ended the session in 16th place, however a genuine position for the team.

With another 20 minutes to go, there may be a chance for further places due to failures but Midland have shown clear improvement since the Monaco Grand Prix and we have a genuine chance for points during tomorrows Grand Prix.

A magnificent performance from the team. Well Done Boys!

Taigo put in a single flying lap at the end of the second session, but was only able to record the 16th fastest time but this takes nothing away from the achievement by the team today.

Full timesheet from the qualifying sessions for the British Grand Prix:

1 Fernando Alonso Renault
2 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes
3 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
4 Felipe Massa Ferrari
5 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault
6 Rubens Barrichello Honda
7 Ralf Schumacher Toyota
8 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes
9 Nick Heidfeld Sauber-BMW
10 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-BMW
11 David Coulthard RBR-Ferrari
12 Nico Rosberg Williams-Cosworth
13 Vitantonio Liuzzi STR-Cosworth
14 Christian Klien RBR-Ferrari
15 Scott Speed STR-Cosworth
16 Tiago Monteiro MF1-Toyota
17 Mark Webber Williams-Cosworth
18 Christijan Albers MF1-Toyota
19 Jenson Button Honda
20 Takuma Sato Super Aguri-Honda
21 Franck Montagny Super Aguri-Honda
22 Jarno Trulli Toyota