Austrian GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen will start tomorrow's Austrian Grand Prix from second on the grid after setting a time of 1:09.189. David Coulthard did a time of 1:10.893 which puts him 14th.

Kimi Raikkonen:

"I'm pleased with today's result particularly after my qualifying at the last race -- the view from the front of the grid is definitely better than from the back. I drove an almost perfect lap, which is the first time I have done that in qualifying this year. It was close but unfortunately I just missed out on my first pole. We have improved the car from yesterday and its working well. I'm looking forward to starting from the front row tomorrow and am confident that we have the right strategy so we should have a competitive race."

David Coulthard:

"I have been struggling with the balance throughout the weekend and didn't have the confidence to attack. I ran wide at the last corner which cost me some time, but to be honest I don't think the lap would have been that good anyway. I'm disappointed but we will see what happens tomorrow."

Ron Dennis, Team principal:

"As always the team has concentrated on optimising the race performance throughout the weekend's practice sessions which make Kimi's front row position even more satisfying. David's comments summarise well the problems he has had so far, but we expect that his race will also benefit from our strategy."

Norbert Haug, Mercedes motorsport director:

"A super performance by Kimi and the entire team. Kimi missed out on pole position with less than half of a tenth. However it's tomorrow that counts, and our strategy for the race will be good. A shame for David, a mistake in the last corner cost him a better result."

David Coulthard: MP4-17D 08
Kimi Raikkonen: MP4-17D 09
T-car (David): MP4-17D 07
Spare: MP4-17D 06

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