Ross Brawn was full of praise for both Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button after both drivers were able to weather the qualifying storm and achieve 2nd and 3rd on the grid.
Excellent strategic work by both driver and pitwall allowed Rubens Barrichello to make full advantage of slick tyres on a drying track in Q2 and the Brazilian carried over his impressive form into Q3, only just missing out on pole.
After a scare in Q2, Jenson Button was also impressive in the final segment of qualifying. The World Championship leader declared himself to be pleased with his qualifying performance and hopes that luck will be with him in tomorrow’s German Grand Prix.
Rubens Barrichello – 2nd: “I really enjoyed the excitement of qualifying today and am very happy to have come away with second and be starting from the front row tomorrow. I felt the track was just about good enough for slicks in Q2 so I radioed the team that I was coming in but didn’t hear their response so thankfully the tyres were waiting for me when I arrived in the pits! It was a great decision and gave me a much more relaxed end to Q2 than some of the others. It’s going to be a tricky race tomorrow so we’ll have to be on our toes and take advantage of whatever the weather throws at us. I’m looking forward to it.”
Jenson Button – 3rd: “Just getting into the final qualifying session was an achievement today so I’m really pleased to have qualified in third. It was a pretty eventful hour and Q2 in particular was madness but it was good fun. I thought it was too wet for slicks but Rubens made it work and we were able to switch tyres with just enough time to make my timed lap count. The race is going to be interesting as the forecast looks like it’s going to be a mix of wet and dry conditions. We’ve improved the car since practice yesterday but it’s still going to be tough to keep the tyres warm and you’ll need a bit of luck with the weather. Congratulations to Mark on his first pole position today. We’ll be doing everything possible to ensure that it doesn’t become his first win tomorrow!”
Ross Brawn: “The weather ensured an intense qualifying session for everyone today and we are extremely pleased to have come out of this afternoon with Rubens and Jenson in second and third positions. Both drivers were superb today. Rubens made an inspired call in Q2 to come in early for dry tyres and his direction was crucial in getting Jenson in and back onto slicks with enough time to complete his timed lap, which he did under great pressure as the rain fell again. Q3 was quite calm in comparison and both drivers were able to take full advantage of their well-balanced cars to get us into the top three. The teamwork in the garage was fantastic and we are all delighted and a little relieved to be starting from second and third positions tomorrow. Congratulations to Mark for his maiden pole position and congratulations to Mercedes-Benz with five cars in the top seven!”
