Michelin Positive Ahead of the Race

Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier is confident Juan Pablo Montoya will be able to keep the edge over his rivals and score another victory for the French tyre manufacturer.

Michelin have not won a race since the Monaco Grand Prix in May, but their chances of returning to the top step of the podium were boosted today by the performance of Williams driver Montoya, who scored his seventh pole position of the season by beating World Champion Michael Schumacher in front of the Italian fans.

"Juan Pablo did a fantastic job and it is fair to say we are reasonably confident for the race," said Dupasquier. "The tyre we have this weekend is quick in both racing and qualifying trim. We know that circumstances can always change tomorrow, of course.

"We saw that at Spa, where race performance bore no relation to what we saw on Saturday afternoon. That said, there is every reason to feel optimistic."

Michelin runners dominated today's session, with nine of them occupying to top 13 positions.