May 01, 2004
MMC BMW's #1 driver Ryan McConkey had an unfortunate qualifying session for the 2004 San Marino GP. The driver ran wide in Rivazza 1 and the lap was deemed illegal for going completely off track.

The driver had a few comments he wanted to say about his qualifying session, and the season so far for him.

"Well, first off, I'm completely disappointed about my qualifying session. My laptime would've placed me in the top 10. But now I'm starting P21. I am looking forward to this race though, because I feel I have the pace of the top 7 runners. I think it shouldn't be too difficult to go up the field."

"The season - it is not starting how I planned, but I knew it was going to be difficult, even though our team has the best engine in the field. It's not always about engine power. Driver skill plays a big part, and car setup is crucial to having a winning car. My first 3 races weren't very good, as I had never ran a complete race at any of those circuits before in my career so it was all a learning experience for me there. I feel like somewhat of a rookie, but I think once we get to Spain, it will all be coming back to me as that is where I began racing full time last season."

"I'm not going to give up on this season, it's much too early to do such a thing. I'll admit though, I've not been completely motivated these first few races. The press saying I basically was a bad racer didn't help my moral too much. Hopefully, I will turn this season around for MMC BMW and for myself. After the qualifying session here at Imola, it has really opened my eyes that I'm not performing how I should be and I need to get back in the rhythm of things. I don't wanna let my fans down! Thank you, thats all."