Imola: Midland F1 knocked out in qualifying one

By Huw Alban
April 22 2006

Midland F1 put in such a strong performance in all the free practice sessions, we were really expecting to see one driver in the top 16. Unfortunately a spin for Albers upset the show and both MF1 cars were knocked out in the first 15 minutes.

Christijan Albers was the fourth car in the queue of cars waiting to start the first qualifying session, but Monteiro was not far behind him.

The ITV commentary team noted that the Bridgestone runners were all running strongly at Imola, including Midland F1. They also stated that the first flying lap wasn't necessarily the fastest from the Bridgestone runners.

The UK TV coverage then swaped to show Albers mid way through a spin - disaster for the Dutchman! He immediately pits.

Tiago meanwhile does a 1.27.563 netting him 9th with 9 minutes of the 15 minute session remaining. Curiously he too takes to the pit lane.

With 5 minutes 30 seconds to go, both are back out. By now Monteiro has dropped to 19th. Albers records a 1.27.916 on his first flying lap netting him 19th, Monteiro does a 1.26.820 which is only enough for 18th.

Monteiro's sector times on his next lap are way down, indicating that he is on a slowing down lap. Albers stays out but can only manage a 1.27.088 which is position 20th for the Dutchman. Monteiro's earlier 1.26.820 means that he has pipped his team mate, but unfortunately this time is only quick enough for 19th.

Full time sheet from qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix:

Pos Driver Team
1 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2 Jenson Button Honda
3 Rubens Barrichello Honda
4 Felipe Massa Ferrari
5 Fernando Alonso Renault
6 Ralf Schumacher Toyota
7 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes
8 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes
9 Jarno Trulli Toyota
10 Mark Webber Williams-Cosworth
11 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault
12 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-BMW
13 Nico Rosberg Williams-Cosworth
14 David Coulthard RBR-Ferrari
15 Nick Heidfeld Sauber-BMW
16 Vitantonio Liuzzi STR-Cosworth
17 Christian Klien RBR-Ferrari
18 Scott Speed STR-Cosworth
19 Tiago Monteiro MF1-Toyota
20 Christijan Albers MF1-Toyota
21 Takuma Sato Super Aguri-Honda
22 Yuji Ide Super Aguri-Honda