Spanish GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona from second and fourth positions respectively. Fernando set a time of 1m21.451 and was just 0.030 seconds from pole ...

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona from second and fourth positions respectively. Fernando set a time of 1m21.451 and was just 0.030 seconds from pole position.

Lewis Hamilton's fastest time was 1m21.785. For the fourth time in four races, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers will start from second and fourth places.

Fernando Alonso:

"A good qualifying, and I'm pleased to be on the front row for my home race. There is no doubt that the race will be as close and as competitive as today's qualifying however I'm confident that I can challenge for the victory."

"We have been strong throughout all the practice sessions and today's qualifying was the first time Ferrari was in front, so things are looking good, but I think everybody in the top four are capable of winning. The car is working well, and I'm enjoying driving it in front of all the fans."

Lewis Hamilton:

"I'm satisfied with today's qualifying and believe that I have a strong race strategy. Anything is possible from the second row and we have been quick throughout the weekend. I have started fourth on a few occasions now, so I have an idea of what to do."

"I'm really pleased with the balance of the car and the improvements the team has made since Bahrain. Both Fernando and I will be on the dirty side of the track, but I think we have shown so far this year that it's not too much of a disadvantage. I look forward to an exciting race tomorrow."

Ron Dennis:

"A very close qualifying session where Fernando just missed out on pole position. We have been very competitive so far this weekend and combined with strong race strategies we look forward to fighting for victory tomorrow."

Norbert Haug:

"It can't be much closer. Fernando is missing 30 thousandths of a second to the pole time and Lewis 62 thousandths to third position. We are going to start for the fourth time in a row from second and fourth positions."

"The performance of Fernando, Lewis and the team was very good in all sessions so far and looked always competitive. With about three and a half tenths covering the four fastest drivers in qualifying we are looking forward to an exciting race where we try to do one better."

Chassis allocation
Fernando Alonso: MP4-22 06
Lewis Hamilton: MP4-22 05
T-car (Fernando): MP4-22 03