A disappointed Luca di Montezemolo in the pits. Epa
The Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo will be most disappointed with Alonso’s 5th place in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix at Montmelo: “We have to improve in qualifying, even though there are many cars within two-tenths of each other. I’m satisfied with the race simulation and the fact that Fernando starts from the clean side of the track. There is a very long straight here, and if he starts well, he could do well. I hoped for something better, but I’m confident for the race. We saw that in the last lap Fernando lost a bit in the final sector, but it’s a long race.”
Fernando Alonso, no front row for 16 GPs. LaPresse
Alonso relaxed —
Alonso, however, is relaxed, even though he didn’t try to hide his disappointment: “The car didn’t meet our expectations, but I am relaxed. Qualifying is still our weak point but to be fifth is ok, it corresponds with our current potential. It will be better in the race though, our pace is good and we do better on Sundays, which we’ve demonstrated before. I don’t see why we can’t fight for a podium finish, or even more: Mercedes are in pole position, just like three weeks ago in Bahrain when they went on to finish in ninth place. I don’t see why we can’t get past them here…”
Domenicali expects —
Domenicali: “The Mercedes has shown itself to be very strong in the dry, but after that we’re all close together. We’ll see in the race whether the glass is half-full or half-empty. There will be sixty-six very intense laps.”
Massa —
Massa: “As I saw Webber, I pushed on immediately, and I don’t think it was a big problem for him. I lost a chance in the third sector due to over steer and it cost me at least one place on the grid, but I’m confident that I’ll have a good race. Surprised by Mercedes? No: you knew that they had the best car in qualifying. I don’t know about in the race, though.”
The first three —
Rosberg: “I’m very satisfied, I had a fantastic lap and I’m pleased for me and for the team that we’re on the front row. It’s a great result, but we have to remember Bahrain and be cautious.” Hamilton: “Congratulations to Nico. He’s done some great work and done well with the team. I’m proud to be part of this team but we need to be careful because tomorrow will be really tough. Where did I lose the two-tenths? Nico was just too fast.” Vettel: “We’ve improved the car and qualifying went smoothly. It will be an interesting race. Much will depend on the tyres, we’ll see if the conditions will favour us. Today I’m happy and historically it’s good to start from the front here.”
Gasport RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA