San Marino GP Saturday McLaren notes

WARSTEINER SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX 1999 - QUALIFYING

Chassis Numbers: David Coulthard MP4 - 14/04 Mika Hakkinen MP4 - 14/05 T. Car MP4 - 14/02

The West McLaren Mercedes team had an exciting day's practice and qualifying with Mika Hakkinen claiming pole position with a fastest lap of 1:26.362 just 0.022 of a second quicker than his team mate David Coulthard on a 1:26.384. Today's results represent the most competitive times seen so far this season.

MIKA HAKKINEN 'David was a real threat to me here today and I knew he could go quicker right up to the end. But, I think he was caught in traffic on his final run and I am very pleased to have taken pole by just 0.022 of a second. This is the first time I have been able to qualify at Imola on pole - David beat me last year - so I am very happy about it.

DAVID COULTHARD 'It was a very close session today and like everyone else I was looking for a clear lap in order to get a good time. Unfortunately pole position just slipped away from me on the last section of the last lap but that's life. Whilst it is always disappointing not to be on pole I am sure that I will have a good race starting from the front row.

RON DENNIS 'A trouble free but very interesting practice with a well executed strategy. The competition is clearly closer but we are looking forward to the race.'

NORBERT HAUG 'This qualifying session was a Saturday thriller. An outstanding achievement by both drivers and the team. I expected a close result and therefore I am very happy with the outcome of today's qualifying.'