Canadian GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard will start tomorrow’s Canadian Grand Prix from 11th onm the grid after setting a time of 1:17.024. Team mate Kimi Räikkönen didn’t complete his lap as the Finn went off at the first corner.

David Coulthard:

"I’m not happy with my qualifying position. I suffered from oversteer coming into the last chicane and lost about half a second. I think that without that I would definitely be further up the grid. However there is nothing I can do about it now and I will focus on tomorrow’s race.”

Kimi Räikkönen:

"Of course I’m disappointed with today’s qualifying. I ran wide at the first corner as I had a bit more understeer than in warm-up which I wasn’t prepared for. The exit of the corner was very slippery and I hit the kerb and went off the track. I’m not sure yet how much damage was done to the car, but I don’t expect it to be too much. I don’t know what will happen in the race tomorrow but I know that anything is possible and that we will do our best.”

Ron Dennis:, team principal:

"The outcome of today’s qualifying will require creative strategy by the team if we are to leave Canada with significant points finishes. However we have faced similar challenges before and the team and the drivers have proved their ability to respond.”

Norbert Haug, Mercedes motorsport director:

"A disappointing outcome of qualifying and certainly the worst basis for Kimi’s race tomorrow. However all the team will do everything to make the best of the situation and fight for good results in the race.”

-mercedes-