European GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Fernando Alonso will start tomorrow's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring second on the grid after setting a time of 1m31.741. In the final part of Saturday's qualifying, Lewis Hamilton went off at Turn Eight, ...

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Fernando Alonso will start tomorrow's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring second on the grid after setting a time of 1m31.741. In the final part of Saturday's qualifying, Lewis Hamilton went off at Turn Eight, five minutes from the end of the session. The session was red flagged and continued after half an hour. If Lewis is able to race tomorrow he will start from tenth on the grid.

Fernando Alonso:

"The most important news is obviously that Lewis is OK. During my final qualifying lap I had a big moment at Turn Five and I am really lucky that I got out of it without spinning. However it cost me more than half a second so I am pleased to be on the front row. We have made good progress during the weekend and my car in contrast to yesterday was working really well. I am looking forward to the race tomorrow."

Lewis Hamilton:

"I'm absolutely fine and we will see later if I am able to race tomorrow. Everybody has been looking after me really well. We know what caused the accident and I'm just pleased that everything is OK and I really hope I can race tomorrow."

Ron Dennis:

"The main thing is that Lewis is absolutely fine with no injuries and no broken bones. He has been taken to hospital for a precautionary CT scan and we will know later today if he is able to race tomorrow. The accident was due to either a faulty air regulator or wheelgun causing the wheel nut on his right front wheel not to be tightened properly. The team is undertaking a full investigation to understand how this could have happened."

"Fernando could have been on pole today if it had not been for a small mistake but he has a good basis for the race tomorrow -- particularly as he has been consistently quick through all the practice and qualifying sessions."

Norbert Haug:

"The most important news of today is that Lewis is OK and he is now in hospital for a precautionary CT scan. The accident was not his fault. What concerns the sport today: Fernando could have been on pole, however a little mistake cost him the amount of time he was lacking in the end, but what a great job from him to recover and put the car on the front row."

Chassis allocation
Fernando Alonso: MP4-22 06
Lewis Hamilton: MP4-22 01
T-car: MP4-22 04