Ralf: Michelin to Hold Upper Hand in the Race

German Ralf Schumacher believes his Williams team will have the upper hand with the tyres in tomorrow's European Grand Prix.

Schumacher, who had started from pole position in the last two races in Canada and Monaco, was confident his Michelin tyres will be stronger than his brother Michael's Bridgestones after the German five-time World Champion claimed he expected the Japanese manufacturer to be more consistent tomorrow.

"I think we can be quite satisfied with what we achieved today," said the Williams driver after posting the third quickest time of the session behind his brother. "The race is tomorrow. I disagree with Michael in that I think we have the upper hand in tyres and I hope that we can show that tomorrow."

Ralf will share the second row of the grid with Colombian teammate Juan Pablo Montoya. Ralf and Montoya shared the front row in Canada and finished second and third then. Their laps on Saturday were almost identical, the same first split time and same top speeds but divided by 0.146 at the finish.

"I am obviously a bit disappointed as I was expecting something more from today's qualifying," said Montoya. "The balance of my car wasn't quite as good as it was this morning and this cost me a place in the top three. However, I believe we're set to have a good race tomorrow.

"The car has been working very well in the last few races and I am confident we have a good strategy."