07/05/2005
NEWS STORY
West McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen finished today's first qualifying session for the 2005 Spanish Grand Prix in third place with a time of 1:14.819. Juan Pablo Montoya's time of 1:15.902 puts him 12th overall.
Kimi Raikkonen: "A pretty good result considering that we started quite early in the session. I'm upset as I made a mistake at Turn Two by going wide and I lost probably around half a second – without that we would have been quickest. However it's tomorrow where it really counts and I can't wait. The car has been working well and we have the pace so with a strong lap we should be in with a chance of a good starting position."
Juan Pablo Montoya: "It's always a disadvantage to be one of the first cars out on the track as the conditions will improve throughout the session. My engineer actually said earlier today that we would be lucky to be in the top ten. It was my first run on new tyres and the circuit had changed from this morning, particularly the direction of the wind and I had a lot of understeer. However there is another qualifying session in the morning and I think we will be in a good position for the race. I'm feeling fine and have experienced no problem with my shoulder and am looking forward to the rest of the weekend."
Ron Dennis: "A qualifying session which was made more difficult for the drivers as a result of their starting positions. However Kimi did a good job and one small mistake cost him pole position. It's so close at the front and we have every opportunity to attack for pole position tomorrow. Juan Pablo's lap took place when the circuit was at its worst and being the first one out, he was also a little cautious – but we are confident that he will also move up the grid tomorrow."
Norbert Haug: "A thrilling first qualifying session with three teams within just 0.024 seconds. To be first on the track was not an ideal basis for Juan Pablo as he experienced the most difficult track conditions. Kimi ran a bit wide in turn two which cost him some time, but the rest of the lap was amazing. We have a good basis for tomorrow."