Italian GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen will start Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza from fourth position after setting a time of 1:21.466. Team mate David Coulthard's time of 1:22.471 puts him eighth.

Kimi Raikkonen:

"A pretty good qualifying lap. 1:21.466 is the best time we have done so far this weekend, and the gap to the front is less than before, so I'm very pleased. Of course we would like to be on the front row, but everything is possible from the second line. I think we will be more competitive in the race as the car is working well, and we have a good strategy, so we will see what happens tomorrow -- I'm sure it will be a great race."

David Coulthard:

"A reasonable lap where I set almost the same time as in the warm up. I was a bit cautious and there was no drama. I expected the track to get faster and faster as the session went on and it did. However I hope for a good start and with our strategy we should be able to maximise the situation in the race tomorrow."

Ron Dennis:

"Hopefully our race strategy will further demonstrate our competitiveness this weekend. It should be an exciting race."

Norbert Haug:

"A very good lap by Kimi. The fact that the all three title contenders are placed on the first two rows of the grid is a good basis for a great race."

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

-mclaren-