By Ferrari Press Release
May 30 2004

For the first time this season, there will be no Ferrari on the front row of the grid. Michael Schumacher qualified fifth and Rubens Barrichello seventh, but because the BMW-Williams of second placed Ralf Schumacher needed an engine change, he is penalised by dropping ten places on the grid. This means Michael will start on the second row in fourth spot and Rubens on the third row in sixth. Jarno Trulli took his first ever pole position at the wheel of his Renault (1.13.985,) while third place behind Ralf went to Jenson Button in the BAR-Honda (1.14.396.)

Fernando Alonso completed a good day for Renault, fourth in 1.14.408. Michael completed his lap in 1.14.516, with the McLaren-Mercedes of Kimi Raikkonen completing the top six in 1.14.592. Michael and Rubens started the pre-qualifying session first and second on the road, as a result of finishing the previous race in those positions. The usual disadvantage of being first out on track was aggravated here on the street circuit by dust and oil put down by cars out on the circuit after the morning free practice session.

Schumacher found conditions particularly tricky, only setting the 14th fastest time, while Rubens faired a bit better in 11th. This meant they then had to run earlier than they would have wished in the decisive qualifying. A further factor in what in simple terms is Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s worst qualifying showing of the year, was that when the last cars went out, the sun had gone behind the clouds, making the track cooler and quicker. However, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most demanding races on the calendar for both man and machine, so the race cannot be considered lost or won until the chequered flag has been waved.

Michael Schumacher (Driver):

"This qualifying session was a little bit of a disappointment. That was the result of a difficult pre-qualifying when I found the track to be very slippery. It was much worse than expected, as you can see from the fact I was much quicker in the morning. The result was that I was a long way off where we wanted to be. It meant I had to make my second run very early. That certainly did not help. Because of my brother’s problem I will be starting from fourth and we will have to try and get the best out of this situation tomorrow."

Rubens Barrichello (Driver):

"I expected to be a bit further up the grid, but I don’t feel that all is lost as far as tomorrow is concerned. I am reasonably happy with the handling of the car and I think we will be very competitive in the race. It won’t be easy, but we could get a good result."

Ross Brawn (Technical Director):

"Obviously, a disappointing qualifying for us. Things became difficult right from the pre-qualifying. Michael found he had practically no grip on his lap, possibly because some cars were out after free practice and put some dust and oil on the track. The cars went well in qualifying but another factor that did not help was the fact that when the cars making their run after ours were doing their lap, the sun had gone in and the track became quicker. In any case, this race always throws up surprises from start to finish. We will have to be as well prepared as possible to make the most of any opportunity that comes our way."

Jean Todt (General Director):

"At the end of a very closely contested qualifying session, we find ourselves, for the first time this season, off the front row. However, taking into account that another competitor is penalised for making an engine change, we have Michael on the second row and Rubens on the third, at the most difficult track from an overtaking point of view. Having said that, this will be a long race and anything can happen with many factors to be taken into consideration: strategy, reliability, the amount of fuel on board for the first stint and the consistency of the tyre performance. As far as this last factor is concerned, Bridgestone has provided us with a very good tyre. I am aware of the tough task that awaits us tomorrow, but we will tackle with the same approach and in the same frame of mind as we did the first five races, all won by Michael."

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