Monaco GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen will start the 2003 Monaco Grand Prix from second after setting a time of 1:15.295. His team mate David Coulthard's time of 1:15.700 puts him sixth on the grid for tomorrow's 78 lap race around the streets of Monte Carlo.

Kimi Raikkonen:

"To start from the front row in Monaco is very important, so second is good and I'm looking forward to an exciting race tomorrow. However I'm a bit disappointed not to get pole position as like in Austria two weeks ago I was extremely close, but I guess it will be my time sooner or later. In hindsight perhaps I hit the kerb a bit too hard at the Swimming Pool chicane so I lost some time there. Monaco is a place where experience is important and I feel more comfortable here this year than last year. Now we will see what happens tomorrow."

David Coulthard:

"I had a very good set up during this morning's free practice which was reflected by my lap time. We then made some adjustments after the warm up which was intended to further improve the car for the race. Unfortunately this caused some understeer and I also got it wrong at the Swimming Pool chicane which ultimately ruined my lap."

Ron Dennis, Team principal:

"A good performance by the team. Our grid positions are not quite what we expected but still give both drivers the opportunity to win."

Norbert Haug, Mercedes motor sport director:

"A thrilling qualifying which saw Kimi missing pole by 36 thousands of a second. The fact that the first six drivers are within less than half a second means that we can expect a tough and close race. However Kimi's front row position is a good basis for tomorrow, when strategy will be key for winning the race."

David Coulthard: MP4-17D 06
Kimi Raikkonen: MP4-17D 09
T-car (David): MP4-17D 05
T-car (Kimi): MP4-17D 07
Spare: MP4-17D 08

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