By Phil Giles
June 13 2003

Ralph Firman has posted his highest ever qualifying position finishing 4th fastest in the first qualifying session for the Canadian Grand Prix. By contrast, his more experienced team mate ended the session in 18th.

The circuit was drenched and Ralph was luckier than most with the weather but in torrential conditions this is a fantastic result for the team and the chap from Norfolk.

"I had a reasonably good lap and was a little bit luckier with the weather than others were." admitted Ralph.  "The important thing is not to make any big mistakes and the car felt really good on these tyres so hopefully it will keep raining for tomorrow."

For Giancarlo, the timing of his run was the worst thing, the rain absolutely lashed it down just at the wrong moment. "Unfortunately I went out at the worst possible moment." He said.  "The rain was at its heaviest and so I am in the last few places, along with Trulli who went out around the same time.  I’m not really happy but at least it’s not Saturday, which is the important one."

Technical Director Gary Anderson said “Ralph drove a good lap, did well to reap the benefits and I’m pleased for him.  Giancarlo’s lap didn’t go quite so well, he had the heaviest rain when he went out and suffered quite a bit with aquaplaning. Anyway, we’ve got one car at each end of the starting order for tomorrow’s qualifying and as we aren’t sure about the weather prediction, it might just work in our favour!”

The current forecast for qualifying is another drenching, however Sunday's weather is due to be cloudy.