Japanese GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes drivers David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen will start the last race of the 2003 season from seventh and eight positions after setting times of 1:33.137 and 1:33.272 in today's rain affected qualifying session.

David Coulthard:

"A fairly straightforward lap, but the circuit was getting a little bit wet so I had to take that into consideration. As I only had limited running this morning the weather meant that I was probably at less of a disadvantage than normally would be the case. In the last sector a piece of deflector flew off the car, but it didn't affect my time and I look forward to tomorrow."

Kimi Raikkonen:

"The circuit was becoming wet when we went out so our time was the best we could do in those conditions. We will see what happens tomorrow when it becomes clear what strategy everybody is on and more importantly what the weather will do. We will do everything we can to make a good race and at least Michael is not on pole!"

Ron Dennis:

"An interesting outcome reflecting no more than the onset of rain which largely affected the last five cars. Hopefully our race strategy will contribute to a good result."

Norbert Haug:

"It's a pity when the weather decides the order of the starting grid. However we expect this to be the basis for an exciting race. Yesterday's top five suffered an increasing handicap towards the end of today's session."

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

-mclaren-