Spanish GP: McLaren Saturday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard will start tomorrow's race from eighth position after setting a time of 1:19.128. David was using the T-car for his flying lap. Kimi will start from the back of the grid as he went into the gravel on his qualifying lap and the team decided to abandon it.

David Coulthard:

"Just before the start of the qualifying session, the engine developed a problem and had to be changed. The team did a great job in getting the car ready just before it was my turn, but we were already committed to the T-car. Obviously we had to make a few adjustments to the spare car, as it was set up for Kimi. However, after this morning's session I was going to use Kimi's settings anyway so all in all I'm not too unhappy with fourth row considering that it was the first time I drove the car. Now we will see what happens in the race and hope for the best."

Kimi Raikkonen:

"I made a mistake under braking at Turn Seven and went into the gravel and lost a lot of time. It was a shame as I was quick, but these things happen. The team told me to abandon the lap and come back, as there was no way I would have ended up with a competitive time. I will start the race from last on the grid, which is obviously less than ideal but as the races have shown so far this year anything can happen, and we will do our best to get into the points."

Ron Dennis, team principal:

"I think that our drivers' comments provide a clear understanding of today's qualifying session. However our race strategy should give both David and Kimi the opportunity to finish in the points."

Norbert Haug, Mercedes motorsport director:

"Certainly not the qualifying result we wanted. We had to change David's engine as a precautionary measure, so he ended up qualifying in the T-car. To start from eighth and last position will make the race difficult -- but let's see what tomorrow brings."

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

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