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FIA Formula 3000 Championship
Round 3/12, Barcelona, Spain
Qualifying, April 26 2002
Weather: warm, sunny 

Mario Haberfeld: 4^th, 1m 32.779s

“The circuit feels very different from the way it was when we tested here pre-season. In all probability that is mostly a result of the higher temperatures we are experiencing this weekend. The balance was all right in the first session but not perfect, so I was happy to be fourth. In the second session we improved the balance and adjusted the set-up to make our tyres last longer. We weren’t able to find any more speed, because I think track conditions had become a little bit slower, but I am confident we have a really good race set-up that will put us in good shape for tomorrow. The main thing here is to get a good start, because overtaking at this track is not easy once the race settles down.” 

Rob Nguyen: 17^th, 1m 34.246s

“On the negative side I am farther down the grid than I would like to be – on the positive I have gained lots more valuable experience. I was running a set-up a little bit different from the one we tested here. Since then we thought we had found something on the car that might make it better, but it didn’t really work. With the benefit of hindsight I should have used two sets of new tyres in the first session, rather than the second, because I believe conditions were a little bit faster at the start. I didn’t help myself by overdriving a little bit, but with everything I have learned today and in the first two races I am confident I will be able to make up places tomorrow.”

Sam Boyle, team manager

“The track appeared to be at its fastest in the opening part of the first session, when there was a coating of Formula One rubber that offered more grip. As that wore off, lap times became a little bit slower. Mario did a good job and is well placed to repeat the podium finish he scored in Brazil. Rob remains on a steep learning curve and continued his education today. Given that he has so little racing experience, he still amazes us with his speed.”