Michelin Encouraged Despite Missing Front Row

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier was encouraged by the pace of the French manufacturer's partner teams despite missing out on a front row position ahead of tomorrow's Spanish Grand Prix.

Renault drivers Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli spearheaded Michelin's challenge by posting the third and fourth quickest time in the grid-deciding second qualifying session, which was dominated by the Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.

"As always it is hard to know where we stand in terms of race pace because some cars might have been running with 45 kg of fuel today while others might have been using 80," said Dupasquier. "What I do know is that several Michelin cars were running substantial fuel loads and their performance in the circumstances has been extremely encouraging.

"I'm very pleased with the way our tyres have performed. We have given our teams a range of valid options and they have all been fast, consistent and durable. This might be the toughest race of the season in terms of tyre wear, because of the abrasive nature of the circuit, but I'm not at all worried about our prospects for tomorrow."

Apart from Alonso and Trulli, another four Michelin runners made it into the top ten for tomorrow's race. Toyota driver Olivier Panis finished sixth, Ralf Schumacher was seventh with the Williams, McLaren's David Coulthard wound up eight, and Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya finished ninth.