Monaco GP: McLaren Sunday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen will start today's Monaco Grand Prix from pole position. This is Kimi's third consecutive pole position and the sixth of his career. The last time a West McLaren Mercedes driver had pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix was in 2001 (David Coulthard). Kimi's aggregate time was 2:30.323.

Juan Pablo Montoya didn't take part in the qualifying session as he will have to start today's 78-lap race from the back of the grid following the decision by the stewards yesterday.

Kimi Raikkonen:

"I'm obviously pleased to be on pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix where it matters more than most places. The car is working well and due to the gap from yesterday's qualifying session we have been able to adopt what will hopefully prove to be a strong race strategy. There is still a long race to go and as Monaco has shown in the past anything can happen here, but so far so good, and I'm looking forward to the race."

Juan Pablo Montoya:

"It goes without saying that we are disappointed with the decision by the Stewards yesterday. However there is nothing we can do but to get on with the race where we will do our best to score some points. Although we have a strong package as Kimi's performance has shown I know that my race will be hard work."

Ron Dennis:

"A satisfactory outcome to a qualifying session which reflected what we believe to be a strong race strategy. The decision to conserve the Michelin tyres and fuel on Juan Pablo's car was the logical step following yesterday's announcement by the Stewards."

Norbert Haug:

"An excellent performance by Kimi achieving his third consecutive pole position. We expect our strategy to be very good. It's a shame for Juan Pablo to be at the wrong end of the grid due to the decision by the Stewards. Anyway he will give it everything to get into the points."

-mclaren-