BMW WilliamsF1 Team Reactions Sunday Qualifying

By BMW WilliamsF1 Team
April 24 2005

Reactions ... San Marino GP Sunday Qualifying

This morning’s rain changed track conditions but ultimately didn’t alter
the final outcome from first qualifying for Mark Webber and Nick Heidfeld, who will start this afternoon’s race in 4th and 9th position respectively. Nick, however, has gained a grid position due to Felipe Massa suffering a ten position demotion for an engine change.

Driver 	  Saturday    Sunday Final  Aggregate Time
Webber   4th/1:20.442 7th/1:24.069  5th/2:44:511
Heidfeld 9th/1:20.807 10th/1:24.389 9th/2:45.196

Mark Webber

Chassis: FW27 05 / BMW P84/5 engine : 2nd GP
"I had a good lap but I wasn’t quick enough to keep Jenson Button behind me like yesterday, but still I am starting from a good place on the grid and I think we are well set for this afternoon. It will be interesting to see how the various strategies unfold in the race."

Nick Heidfeld

Chassis: FW27 04 (T-car FW27 02) / BMW P84/5 engine : 1st GP
"Qualifying was difficult for everyone today as the track was still damp in some places after this morning’s rain. That said, it dried quite quickly as more and more cars ran on track and it was fine when I completed my lap. From the first session I have dropped a position to Sato, but we are going in the right direction and I am
confident for the race."

Dr Mario Theissen BMW Motorsports Director

"Initially, it seemed as if both our drivers had lost a position each from the first qualifying result – interestingly both against a BAR car. But because of Michael’s mistake, they have held their positions from yesterday, and in fact, Nick is gaining one grid position as he is benefiting from Felipe Massa’s engine change. Considering our positions after the first qualifying session, we are happy with the final positions of fourth and eighth. What these grid position mean will ultimately depend on the timing of the first pit stops. Weather is also an uncertainty."

Sam Michael Chief Operations Engineer WilliamsF1

"We have had a good second qualifying session and both cars ran without any problems. A solid race strategy is what is required now. There was a lot of progression of the circuit’s grip level during the first part of the session due to the rain earlier this morning."