Richards: Michelin 'Exceptionally Strong'

BAR team boss David Richards praised the performance of the Michelin tyres in today's qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix.

"We always suspected that Michelin tyres would be exceptionally strong on this circuit and I suspect that's what we're seeing today," said Richard, whose Bracley-based team use Bridgestone rubber.

"It's very clear that the track has changed dramatically in the last 24 hours as more rubber goes down and it would appear that is less favourable to our tyres."

Eight of the top ten drivers in final qualifying were Michelin runners, while only the Bridgestone-shod Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello qualified among the first ten.

Williams driver Ralf Schumacher led the Michelin runners, scoring his second career pole position ahead of Championship leader Kimi Raikkonen and Colombian teammate Juan Pablo Montoya.

"It is very satisfying that our five partner teams all have at least one car in the top 10," said Michelin boss Pierre Dupasquier. "Tyres are the only thing they have in common and their collective performance proves we have developed very effective products for Monaco.

"I would also like to compliment Ralf, BMW and Williams: it is nice to see them bounce back."