Malaysian GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen will start tomorrow's Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit in fifth place after setting a time of 1:34.164 in today's second qualifying session. David Coulthard's time of 1:34.602 puts him ninth.

Kimi Raikkonen:

"My qualifying was reasonably OK. We have improved the car continuously during the weekend, which could be seen especially in the last sector. I'm also happy about the Michelin tyres, and expect us to be consistently quick in tomorrow's race. The race will be hot and I think tyre wear will be a crucial factor for the outcome."

David Coulthard:

"Although my qualifying result is only a small improvement on my grid position in Melbourne, we seem to be much more competitive here, so it's definitely encouraging. In addition we appear to be better in race trim than some of the guys around us so I'm reasonably optimistic. Obviously during the first few laps, I will be in traffic but once the race starts to open out, we should be fast provided I get some clean air."

Ron Dennis:

"Overall our speed is better than in Melbourne but more so in race conditions. It should be an interesting race with the key factor being the influence of temperature on both makes of tyres. On our cars the Michelin tyres seem to be working well and are quite consistent which should certainly further help the outcome of our race."

Norbert Haug:

"A reasonable basis for the race for Kimi, and I have no doubt that David is in a position to improve tomorrow. The race will be very tough, and I hope it will be better than the last one -- both for the spectators and us."

Kimi Raikkonen
Chassis: MP4-19 04
Qualifying 1: 1:33.452 (third)
Qualifying 2: 1:34.164 (fifth)
T-car (Kimi): MP4-19 01

David Coulthard
Chassis: MP4-19 03
Qualifying 1: 1:34.321 (seventh)
Qualifying 2: 1:34.602 (ninth)

-mclaren-