Michelin Boss Baffled by Ferrari's Race Pace

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier said he was surprised at the performance advantage of the Bridgestone-shod Ferrari team during Sunday's European Grand Prix.

The Michelin-shod Williams of Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher had shone during Saturday's qualifying, completing a front row lockout for the British team. But both drivers dropped down the order in the race and were no match for the Ferraris.

Dupasquier was unable to find an explanation for Ferrari's improved form and claimed that the Italian team are clearly making a difference in the tyre battle.

"We aren't sure yet," replied Dupasquier when asked about the reason for their lack of performance in the race, "but given the Ferraris' race pace I am beginning to wonder whether they qualified with a whole load of fuel on board or something. After seeing their performance today I am surprised they didn't lap several seconds faster in qualifying.

"It is not unusual for them to be ultraquick in the race, of course, but Ferrari is definitely the factor that makes the difference at the moment. Despite losing two front-running cars in an unfortunate accident we had three cars in the top six.

"The next best finisher on the same tyres as the Ferraris was more than a lap behind them. That tells you something."