US GP: McLaren Friday qualifying notes

West McLaren Mercedes drivers David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen finished today's first qualifying session in sixth and ninth places after lapping the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in times of 1:10.450 and 1:10.756 respectively.

David Coulthard:

"We only managed to do one proper run on dry tyres in this morning's practice before it started to rain, so qualifying was a bit of a journey into the unknown. It was spitting with rain as I was starting my lap, which always makes you a bit apprehensive. I went a bit sideways in the last corner before the start, so there is still room for improvement. However under the circumstances I think it was a reasonable result and I look forward to tomorrow."

Kimi Raikkonen:

"I'm not too worried about today's result as the car felt good despite us only having limited running in the morning due to the rain. In addition I didn't do a very good lap and had a moment early on, so I'm sure we will do better tomorrow."

Ron Dennis:

"The ever changing weather is reflected in the current qualifying positions. Our weather forecasters predict better conditions for the rest of the weekend, which I'm sure will suit most of the field."

Norbert Haug:

"A qualifying session which didn't provide a real picture of everybody's competitiveness as the track became faster and faster with every lap before the rain started. However the three World Championship contenders are reasonably close in fifth, eighth and ninth places."

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

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