15/10/2005
NEWS STORY
Team McLaren Mercedes drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya will start tomorrow's 56-lap Chinese Grand Prix from third and fifth after setting times of 1:34.488 and 1:35.188 in today's qualifying session. In order to claim the 2005 Constructors' World Championship Team McLaren Mercedes needs to finish two points ahead of Renault. If both teams finish with the same number of points, Team McLaren Mercedes will take the title, as the Championship is awarded to the holder of the greatest number of wins.
Kimi Raikkonen: "We knew before qualifying that we would struggle to get pole position today, but I don't think we have anything to worry about. Our strategy should be strong and whilst the car was not perfect on the qualifying lap I'm confident that it will be as good as it has been throughout practice. Both Juan Pablo and myself are in strong positions to get the results we need to win the Constructors' World Championship."
Juan Pablo Montoya: "As a result of what happened in Japan last weekend I had to go out for my qualifying lap as number two which was really frustrating. The lap was OK, but there was just no grip. The circuit conditions continued to improve, so of course I'm disappointed as I know I could have probably been on the front row. My car is working well and if everything comes together I should be able to get the result we need."
Ron Dennis: "We came here to win the race and that is what we intend to do. As always it's strategy that counts. Both drivers did a great job, but a small mistake by Kimi possibly cost him a front row position. Juan Pablo's lap was exceptional considering the circuit conditions. The whole team is looking forward to tomorrow."
Norbert Haug: "Our positions to start the race from could be a little bit better. However they are quite different from last weekend's. We believe that we have the right strategy, and there have been quite a few races in the past where we have won from lesser grid positions."