ETCC: Estoril qualifying quotes

DRIVER QUOTES AFTER THE QUALIFYING SESSION FOR THE FIA EUROPEAN TOURING CAR CUP

SUPER 2000

Alessandro ZANARDI BMW Team Italy-Spain, pole position
"I wasn't struggling in the earlier sessions; it just looked that way because my new team-mate was so fast. He had a little bit of an edge over everybody but sadly for him he couldn't use it in qualifying. I knew the battle for pole would be between Félix (Porteiro) and I, but I didn't expect Ryan (Sharp) to be that fast. It's almost a miracle that I got ahead of those two guys because it was so close. Last year the cup didn't go to me despite winning Race 1 with a 13 second gap. I learned long before then that these things happen in racing and that's why it is a feeling of relief when you actually win and it can never be taken by anyone else. I hope tomorrow I can celebrate another championship. Félix is young and has a long career head of him so he can let me have this one!"

Ryan SHARP GR Asia, 2nd fastest
"I hoped to be so quick but I did not expect it. In qualifying I was faster and things were closer than they have been so far this weekend in the dry. In the wet we are as quick as the BMWs but in the dry we struggled a little bit. However, the team have worked to improve the car in the dry and fortunately I got a clear lap in qualifying. The SEAT León is a little trickier to drive than what I am used to but it's faster and it's definitely a good car. I'm finding new limits with it every time I go out."

Félix PORTEIRO BMW Team Italy-Spain, 3rd fastest
"All weekend I have been one of the fastest and I hoped to be in the same position in qualifying. It wasn't possible to be on the front row but third isn't bad because I think anything is possible in the races. The BMW cars usually have a better start than the SEAT so I hope to get to second position by the first corner. I have only had six hours testing but it is thanks to Alessandro (Zanardi) that I was competitive straight away because he has helped me a lot and he knows the car perfectly. As for letting Alex win this one because I am young... I don't think so!"

SUPER PRODUCTION

Andrey ROMANOV Avtodom Racing, pole position
"The whole team has worked hard to make the necessary changes to the car. This, along with testing and practice has enabled me to drive well in a good car. Everything seemed to come together in qualifying and that's why I got a good margin from the rest of the SP drivers. It's impossible to say whether this track is better for front wheel or rear wheel drive cars because I only have experience in a BMW and the weather is a factor. I can say I like the track though!"

Alexander LVOV Golden Motors, 2nd fastest
"I didn't really know what to expect from qualifying but I can say that even though we are improving, we have not found the correct set-up yet. I think it will be better for Race 1. As the Honda is a front wheel drive car I think it would be easier for me to overtake if the conditions are wet tomorrow. However, there is no way I am giving up the fight even if it is dry."

Raimo KULLI Saksa Auto, 3rd fastest
"I am a little bit surprised to make it into the top three in the SP category but it's great. To be honest after qualifying I think that I could have been second because on my fastest lap there was a lot of traffic and without that I would have been faster. The Skoda Octavia is on its first racing season and needs some development. But when this will be done I think it will be a very good, fast car."

-credit: fia