By Phil Huff (12/09/2003)
September 12 2003

Today's free practice and first qualifying sessions resulted in encouraging performances for the Bridgestone equipped Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro drivers. After topping the morning's practice session times, Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher went on to post second and third fastest times in the weekend's first qualifying session. Windy track conditions and leaves blowing on track meant all of the drivers today had extra factors to contend with but Bridgestone's drivers settled down well to the task at hand. Sauber Petronas' Heinz Harald Frentzen, in particular, put in an encouraging performance clocking ninth fastest time.

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager of Bridgestone Motorsport: "That wasn't bad given the conditions out there this afternoon. It was quite windy and although it's the same for everyone, second and third for the Ferraris was a good performance and puts them in a good position for final qualifying tomorrow. I'm relatively pleased with our one lap tyre performance this afternoon and am also encouraged to see Heinz Harald (Frentzen) up in ninth."

Ross Brawn, Technical Director of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro: "We found the track quite difficult this morning as the wind was blowing in a completely different direction from last week's test. With such low downforce here it's quite difficult to get a good balance but I think we were looking reasonable by the time qualifying began. We had a pretty good idea from the test last week which tyre we would use and saw nothing today to change our opinion. We'll now concentrate on that tyre, work with it and get ourselves in good shape for Sunday."