Formula 1

French GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

Team McLaren Mercedes driver Juan Pablo Montoya will start tomorrow's race ninth after setting a time of 1:15.406. Kimi's time of 1:14.559 was third fastest, but he has to move down 10 places on the grid following yesterday's engine failure and as a ...

Published: Jul 3, 2005, 2:15 AM

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Team McLaren Mercedes driver Juan Pablo Montoya will start tomorrow's race ninth after setting a time of 1:15.406. Kimi's time of 1:14.559 was third fastest, but he has to move down 10 places on the grid following yesterday's engine failure and as a result the Finn's will start from 13th.

Kimi Raikkonen:

"It will be a tough race starting from 13th as a result of my penalty due to an engine change. The lap was OK. The car is working well, and there is really nothing more to do than wait for tomorrow to see what we can achieve in the race. I'm confident that we have a competitive package and a strong strategy, so points and even a podium are not out of reach."

Juan Pablo Montoya:

"My lap time pretty much matches what I did during practice. I haven't had the pleasure of starting late in the qualifying session this year which always makes it more challenging. However, so far I have always been able to improve in the race."

"I think I can have a strong Grand Prix as the car is behaving well, and our strategy should be good. The temperature tomorrow is predicted to be a lot higher, which will influence things and hopefully help us."

Ron Dennis:

"Taking into account the necessity for a race strategy designed to accommodate the 10-place penalty resulting from Kimi's engine failure yesterday his qualifying lap was sensational. This together with a good start should see him with a chance to take a podium position tomorrow."

"Juan Pablo suffered a little from being early out on the circuit and consequential lack of grip, but irrespective of this he too should have a strong race performance."

Norbert Haug:

"Considering his strategy Kimi's qualifying lap was very good being one and half tenths from pole time. His engine failure on Friday meant that he has to start from thirteenth place instead of third in tomorrow's race with Juan Pablo in eighth. We have the speed for good results and we can achieve them despite starting from fourth and seventh rows."

Chassis allocation:
Kimi Raikkonen: MP4-20 06
Juan Pablo Montoya: MP4-20 05
T-car (Juan Pablo): MP4-20 03

-mclaren-

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