German GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen will start tomorrow's Mobil 1 German Grand Prix from third position after setting a time of 1:13.690. David Coulthard completed his lap in 1:13.821 and will start the race from fourth position on the grid. Both drivers moved up a place as Jenson Button was penalised with a ten place drop for changing his engine overnight.

Kimi Raikkonen:

"It was an OK qualifying as we got the best out of the car, and I didn't make any mistakes. Our package is pretty strong, and we have been able to run consistently in race trim, so I'm confident for tomorrow when we should be able to fight for a good position. I think it's actually better to start from third than second here at Hockenheim as you are on the inside."

David Coulthard:

"I'm much happier with the balance of the car as we have taken a significant step forward since yesterday. My qualifying lap was good, and I think I could have been even a bit faster, but as our pace has been pretty consistent we should have a strong race tomorrow. However, as always it's difficult to make predictions as you never know what fuel loads the other teams are on, but I think we have a solid strategy, and I look forward to a competitive race."

Ron Dennis:

"It's always tempting to deviate away from an optimum race strategy with a view to gaining grid positions. Only tomorrow will tell whether we have got it right."

Norbert Haug:

"Both cars on the second row is a good basis for the race. This was an exciting qualifying for a change with the top five cars within approximately half a second. We are satisfied, especially with David being in fourth position following his problems in finding the right set-up yesterday. We hope for a strong race."

David Coulthard: MP4-19B 03
Kimi Raikkonen: MP4-19B 01
T-car (Kimi): MP4-19B 02

-mclaren-