Schumacher Rockets to Hungarian Pole!


By Dale Calkins
July 30 2005

Michael Schumacher claimed his 64th career pole today as he defeated all others in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Schumacher had a near perfect lap of the Hungaroring, aided greatly by much improved Bridgestone tyres.

Badoer Prepares Ferrari

Schumacher Rockets to Hungarian Pole!

Dale Calkins
Michael Schumacher
Q: 1st - 1'19.882

Michael Schumacher came into this Grand Prix weekend, in a very unusually unconfident mood. Schumacher expressed that Hungary would be a very difficult race for Ferrari, but if today's qualifying is any indication that may not be the case. Schumacher was strong in Saturday practice and after taking the pole position for Sunday's race, he showed that Ferrari really is back on pace. Here is what the 7-Time World Champion had to say about his qualifying run in Hungary:

"I drove a good lap and I am delighted to be back here after suffering for so long. I am happy to be on pole, happy that it is with this margin and also that we look in good shape for the race. This is good for Bridgestone, who have suffered with us and this result is an excellent return for the effort they have put in. We saw from Rubens’ performance yesterday that, not only was the package quick over a single lap, it was also consistent over a longer run. There is no reason not to believe in a Ferrari comeback, but at the same time we will have to wait and see if this result is a case of the car and tyre suiting this track or if it will become a general trend. This is a great result and a great motivation for the whole team. As for being on pole, I think it is more important that I am on the clean side of the track, because I do not share the view that at this circuit, grid position is vital, because I think strategy in the race will be more important. I am not worried about the hot conditions."

Rubens Barrichello
Q: 7th - 1'21.158

Rubens Barrichello was certainly slower than Michael today, and really Rubens' drive does not seem to reflect any increase in performance from Ferrari and Bridgestone. Barrichello went out early in the session than Schumacher, but today that didn't seem to matter as Jarno Trulli and Kimi Raikkonen went out earlier than Barrichello and were faster. Rubens had a few bobbles in his lap, highlighting the difference between Michael and himself. Here is what the Brazilian had to say after his session:

"Basically I think I drove a good lap apart from the fact that I lost a bit on the brakes at the beginning of the lap due to a change in set-up on the car, which made the brakes feel a little bit different. Bridgestone has done a phenomenal job to provide us with a tyre that has allowed us to be competitive again in qualifying. I have a good strategy and I know I can expect to have a very consistent performance level in the race. So I really hope I can get a good result."

Ross Brawn
Technical Director

Ferrari's Technical Director Ross Brawn, was very pleased with Ferrari's results today, and had praise for everyone who contributed to Ferrari's increased performance. Here is what Ross had to say about the qualifying session:

"I am absolutely delighted with this performance as it has been a hard year for us. Everyone, particularly Bridgestone, has kept working and we could see from the beginning of the weekend that we have a very strong tyre here and we have had the proof of that today. It proves we never gave up and we will do our best to repeat today’s performance tomorrow in the race. Of course, this is not just down to the tyres. We have had some updates to the aero package over the last few races and they have also contributed to this result."

July 30, 2005

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