By Jamie Makin
May 28 2005

This weekend's European Grand Prix at Germany's Nurburgring saw a change in the qualifying format. The second Sunday session has been scrapped and drivers now have just one chance on Sunday to claim their spot on the starting grid. Drivers go out in the reverse order of the last race's results and run on race fuel and tyres. The cars will once again be impounded in parc ferme like they were the past two seasons with no further work or changes allowed before the start.

Felipe Massa put in a strong effort today to start 11th, just one place behind Ferrari's Michael Schumacher. "I was very happy with my lap today. It was a good one, no mistakes, and the balance of the car was reasonable," said Massa. "It's very good to be in front of the Red Bulls and the BARs and we seem to be good in comparison to them, so now I hope that I will make good start and can stay ahead. Starting 11th we have a chance to fight for points, and that's exactly what I'll be doing."

Teammate Jacques Villeneuve appears to be starting on a heavier fuel load and is not discouraged by his 15th place starting position. "I knew that the car would be difficult on new tyres so our plan all along was to concentrate on the race set-up, and in particular being as strong as possible in the second half which is the one that really matters. I think I’m in reasonable shape for tomorrow," Villeneuve said.

Technical director Willy Rampf has a positive outlook for tomorrow's race. "After a difficult time this morning we made good progress with both cars for qualifying. Felipe achieved our target position for him, while Jacques’ 15th place reflects his fuel load. Overall we are satisfied, especially as we are ahead of our prime opposition."

Saturday, Qualifying 1:

s

Driver	Chassis	Best Time	Position
J. Villeneuve	C24-04	1:32.891 (+2.810)	15
F. Massa	C24-02	1:32.205 (+2.124)	11
Spare Car	C24-03	-	-

Saturday, Free Practice 3:

Driver	Chassis	Position	Best Time	Laps
J. Villeneuve	C24-04	17	1:33.731(+3.116)
F. Massa	C24-02	13	1:33.212 (+2.597)
Spare Car	C24-03	-	-	-

Saturday, Free Practice 4:

Driver	Chassis	Position	Best Time	Laps
J. Villeneuve	C24-04	16	1:33.140 (+3.450)
F. Massa	C24-02	14	1:32.079 (+2.399)
Spare Car	C24-03	-	-	-