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**Headline: Russell and Antonelli Secure Top Six Starting Positions for Spanish Grand Prix Amidst Tyre Concerns**

**Barcelona, Spain –** George Russell secured a P4 start for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix after a thrilling qualifying session that saw him match Red Bull’s Max Verstappen’s lap time exactly. However, Verstappen claimed P3 due to setting the time earlier. Rookie driver Kimi Antonelli impressed, qualifying in P6 for his debut Spanish Grand Prix.

The qualifying session followed a final practice (FP3) focused on single-lap speed, complementing Friday’s (FP1 and FP2) long-run data collection. Russell smoothly progressed to Q3, while Antonelli gained confidence and edged through, learning with each lap.

Russell expressed satisfaction with the car’s performance, stating, “It feels good to be back near the front of the grid… Except for Monaco, we’ve been in the top five every single race since the start of the season.” He acknowledged the challenge posed by the McLarens, but remained optimistic about a podium finish, recalling his successful P4 start at the same race last year.

Antonelli, after two difficult race weekends, expressed relief at finding his rhythm, but acknowledged that the limited availability of new soft tyres in Q3 slightly hindered his performance. “P6 is a great come back from where I had been earlier in the weekend.”

Both drivers and the team highlighted concerns about tire management in the expected high ambient and track temperatures. “It is going to be a difficult race tomorrow with these hot temperatures. Preserving the tyres will be a real challenge for the whole field.” As a result, the team focused on long-run pace throughout the weekend. The team acknowledged the challenge of high temperatures stressing the tyres but expressed hope that their work in Free Practice will pay off.

While the team principal admitted frustration with not securing P3 for Russell and emphasized Antonelli’s limited new tyre availability in Q3, he stated the focus remains on tomorrow’s race and demonstrating improved race pace. “Starting with both cars in the top six gives us the chance for a solid result.” They are eager to see how the opening lap unfolds and will then prioritize tyre preservation while maintaining competitive lap times.

The stage is set for a strategic and potentially demanding Spanish Grand Prix, with tyre management likely to be a key factor in determining the outcome.

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