Stoddart Praises Albers' "Mega" Lap

Dutch driver Albers put tail-enders Minardi ahead of Red Bull's Austrian Christian Klien and both the Jordans with 15th place.

"That was a 'mega' lap by Christijan," said Stoddart. "It's always pleasing to see such an effort when it really counts, and P15 in qualifying is slightly better than we had expected."

Albers added: "It's a good result and I'm really happy. We were struggling a little bit at the beginning of the weekend, as we were driving on worn tyres and saving the engine, but then this afternoon we got it together over one lap with new tyres and maximum power.

"It felt good and the team did a great job. It's definitely our best qualifying effort since the beginning of the season."

Albers outqualified his teammate Patrick Friesacher, who was unable to escape the final row of the grid.

"Sadly, Patrick struggled this afternoon to find the pace that he's had over the last two days of practice, but I'm sure he will do better in the race," added Stoddart.

"All in all, it was a good team effort, and we look forward to tomorrow's Canadian Grand Prix."