Michelin Boss Not Getting Carried Away

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier is refusing to get carried away despite the French company sweeping the front row ahead of Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

"I'm reserving judgement. We had no cars on the front row two weeks ago in Melbourne, but still managed to finish 1-2-3 in the race," said Dupasquier. "Under current regulations the grid reflects different strategies more than the potential of a particular car or driver.

"You can't really be sure that you have done a good job until the race finish. Only then does the true picture become clear."

Renault drivers Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli secured an all-Michelin front row with a surprising showing in today's decisive qualifying. World Champion Michael Schumacher was the first of the non-Michelin runners, posting the third quickest time ahead of McLaren's David Coulthard.

21-year old Alonso, who became the youngest ever driver to clinch pole position, was praised by Dupasquier.

"We worked with him before during his maiden F1 season at Minardi in 2001" added Dupasquier. "With that and his test programme at Renault last year we have come to know him well. I'm not that surprised to see him at the front. He is an extraordinarily determined young man â€" and a genuine talent."