04.10.2003  NICOLA LARINI, ROBERTO COLCIAGO, GABRIELE TARQUINI AND JAMES THOMPSON CLAIM THE FIRST TWO ROWS IN ESTORIL
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Nicola LARINI: “We are very happy to have four Alfas at the front, as it will be a very important race for us. Tomorrow’s result might prove crucial for the title fight. Our target is to maintain the same positions at the end of the first race. It won’t be easy, but we have to try. At the moment, we do not have any team orders. I think it will depend from the start. If, during the race, I will receive the order to help Gabriele (Tarquini), who is the best placed among us, I will obey.”

Roberto COLCIAGO: “This is an excellent result for Alfa Romeo today, but now we have to win the races! It is very important for us to get the maximum points here in Estoril, so that we may head to the last meeting in Monza with good chances to win the Championship.”

Gabriele TARQUINI: “Our car is very good here, also on top speed. I am very optimist. We are four drivers on the two front rows, and this is very important for us. Particularly because start is not our strong point. Maybe the fact that the main straight goes downhill, will help us to take a better start. But we will see only after the first corner if our four cars are able maintain their positions. For sure it will be very difficult.”

James THOMPSON: “I’m really pleased, because I’ve not driven the car before. No shake down, nothing! And I have to carry the 40 kg ballast. On a two minute-lap like here, with a lot of downshifting from sixth to second gear and a lot of acceleration, it costs you a lot of time. I’m finding my way round the car, which is very good to drive. I’m enjoying it, but I have to work hard. It’s not easy to learn the Alfa in 20 laps and try to help the other guys.”