Malaysia: Michelin record strong points finishes

Michelin Review
By Michelin Sport (21/03/2004)
March 21 2004

Juan Pablo Montoya headed the pursuit of Michael Schumacher during today's Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. The Colombian's fierce, race-long pressure netted him the fastest lap of the afternoon and moved him up to third place in the world championship.

Jenson Button ended a long-standing jinx by taking his first F1 podium finish at the 68th attempt. Michelin drivers Jarno Trulli, David Coulthard and Fernando Alonso also scored points this afternoon. Alonso fought his way through the field after starting at the back of the grid.

"I would like to pay tribute to Juan Pablo Montoya and Jenson Button for the way they drove today," commented Pierre Dupasquier, Michelin motorsport director. "Neither put a foot wrong. Juan Pablo chased hard after the leader and set the quickest lap of the race, more than two seconds faster than any driver went in last season's corresponding fixture. Button faced fierce pressure all race and fully deserved his first F1 podium finish. This event illustrated the close, competitive nature of grand prix racing and it was pleasing to see four of our partner teams record strong points finishes."

"Temperatures in the race were not quite as high as we had anticipated but the two dry-weather compounds we chose continued to deliver consistent performance, just as they have all weekend," added Pascal Vasselon, Michelin F1 programme manager. "As for the damage to the right rear tyre of Mark Webber's Jaguar, there is clear evidence that this was caused by contact with another competitor."