Ralf Ready For "dream" Chance

[Jenson_Rules 0]

RALF READY FOR "DREAM" CHANCE

Last Updated: Saturday, 08, October, 2005, 13:58

Ralf Schumacher believes he can convert pole position into Toyota's first Formula 1 victory in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

The German rode his luck and took the top spot in a rain-hit qualifying hour that caught out the big guns at the end of the session.

"It was a difficult lap for all of us," he said afterwards.

"It is incredible. I have always loved Suzuka, I have been racing here since 1995.

"This is the first time for a Japanese team being on pole (here), which is obviously great.

"The team did a great job and we are really looking forward. I think we have a good chance tomorrow as well since some of the really strong cars are further back so we could have a really strong race tomorrow."

Schumacher, like team-mate Jarno Trulli who spun out at Degner 2 on his lap, will race Toyota's new TF105B chassis in Sunday's race.

He reckons an aggressive fuel strategy, coupled with the fact that Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya are all near the back of the grid, means he has a great chance to bring Toyota some home glory at the Honda-owned Suzuka track.

"It feels great, I mean, being in Japan, on a circuit I like, with Toyota, the first time here on pole and it is a great result for the team," said Schumacher.

"After the morning and after yesterday we were fairly aggressive because we thought even dry conditions that we might be strong so we have no reason not to go and try to win the race.

"That could always happen with a bit of luck, the right car and the right tyres, so we are very aggressive in our strategies so why not?"

Toyota team principal Tsutomu Tomita described Schumacher's pole as a "dream chance".

"This is the result of three and half years of hard graft," he said.

"It's a great opportunity but luck will also be a big factor. Being on the front row means we can save critical time (overtaking), though we won't be thinking about winning until it happens."

[pumpdoc 2]

Ralphie boy could just do it.....................

[UrKo 0]

Ralphie boy could just do it.....................

Yeah right

[KoolMonkey 0]

Errm, I think I saw some article around here that says Button fancies himself as well. We'll see. Ralphie has won a few races so he does know how to win a race. Should be interesting. But I don't think all the faster drivers at the back of the grid are going to remain there for very long.

[Taku 0]

jenson boy could just wel do it too, or even taku boy or fisi boy.

[pumpdoc 2]

jenson boy could just wel do it too, or even taku boy or fisi boy.

Jenson will fold like a cheap suit

[Jenson_Rules 0]

Errm, I think I saw some article around here that says Button fancies himself as well. We'll see. Ralphie has won a few races so he does know how to win a race. Should be interesting. But I don't think all the faster drivers at the back of the grid are going to remain there for very long.

from the stats we have now, it would be mad to bet anyone other than JB, Fisi or RS! But to be honest it will end up fisi, JB, and ralf on the podium in that very order fisi winning of course!)

Also fisi has stated hes going to win it too! Button just stated hes going to push for a win!

[pumpdoc 2]

Would you not agree that anything less than a podium for JB in this race would be a black mark against him?

[xenna 0]

I hope for RS reputation that he gets Toyota their first win.

[cavallino 2]

They're not fast enough, on a dry track Fisi should run away with it. Assuming of course that since the driver's championship is over he is driving the same car as alonso. I have some hope of that since Flavio might atleast not deliberately sabotage their chances of winning the WCC now that his little boy has his championship.

[nojvnof1 0]

Would you not agree that anything less than a podium for JB in this race would be a black mark against him?

I look forward to hearing the replies to this!

[Jem of the Shire 0]

Well what can I say - the BAR wasnt fast enough on the day. We know jenson can get the results with the right car

[ecapdeville 0]

They're not fast enough, on a dry track Fisi should run away with it. Assuming of course that since the driver's championship is over he is driving the same car as alonso. I have some hope of that since Flavio might atleast not deliberately sabotage their chances of winning the WCC now that his little boy has his championship.

You are pathetic...

[foxtrot023 0]

They're not fast enough, on a dry track Fisi should run away with it. Assuming of course that since the driver's championship is over he is driving the same car as alonso. I have some hope of that since Flavio might atleast not deliberately sabotage their chances of winning the WCC now that his little boy has his championship.

Care to think that statement over?

[pumpdoc 2]

Would you not agree that anything less than a podium for JB in this race would be a black mark against him?

[kiko01 0]

I hope for RS reputation that he gets Toyota their first win.

Ralf

[cavallino 2]

Care to think that statement over?

Why?