Formula 1 News

2008 Canadian GP, Qualifying: Honda quotes 

Steve Clark, Head of Race and Test Engineering: “We have worked very hard to improve the car over the course of the weekend and that, coupled with making the most of the tyres and track today, has been the key to a good qualifying result. Credit to Rubens and the whole team for a great effort all round in a high pressure qualifying session today. Rubens is starting from a very strong position and we have to have a sensible strategy to capitalise on that. It is likely to be a more difficult day for Jenson. However starting at the back gives us the opportunity to take some risks with his strategy in order to put ourselves in a situation where we will be able to take advantage of a safety car scenario and other such opportunities.”

Jenson Button: “I had a problem with third gear right at the start of Q1 which meant that I had no drive and that was the end of my qualifying today. It’s been a pretty tough weekend for us and it’s very disappointing to be starting from the back of the grid. We will just have to see how the race develops and take advantage of any opportunities which might arise.”

Rubens Barrichello: “I’m really pleased for myself and the team today. After the points that we scored in Monaco at the last race, this is a great start for the weekend here in Canada. In the hot conditions, the asphalt on the track was breaking up this afternoon and you had to take a good line to avoid running wide where it was so slippery. So it gave me the chance to use my experience to put some good laps in and I had two strong runs in Q1 and Q2 to make it through to the final session. It is nice to qualify in ninth place and we did a solid job today. I can look forward to a good race tomorrow from here.”

source: Honda