Michelin Boss Not Getting Carried Away

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier is not getting carried away despite Finn Kimi Raikkonen starting from pole position in tomorrow's European Grand Prix.

"Our experience this season has taught us not to set too much store by pole position," said Dupasquier, "because slight variations in strategy can produce a different outcome during the race, but it was very satisfying to see Kimi set the fastest time today.

"Our tyres have proved extremely well suited to this weekend's track conditions and our five partner teams confirmed as much today."

McLaren driver Raikkonen beat World Champion Michael Schumacher to pole position, with the Michelin-shod Williams of Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya sharing the second row of the grid.

Only Ferrari's Schumacher and teammate Rubens Barrichello made it into the top ten for Bridgestone, with the remaining eight positions occupied by Michelin runners.

"A solid performance from the two Ferrari drivers again today," said Bridgestone's technical manager Hisao Suganuma. "Their grid positions are competitive and I expect a good race from them tomorrow.

"I'm quite satisfied that our tyre performance will be competitive in race conditions."