2 July: French Grand Prix - Qualifying Report - McLaren Mercedes
Team McLaren Mercedes driver Juan Pablo Montoya will start tomorrow's race ninth after setting a time of 1:15.406. Kimi's time of
1:14.559 was third fastest, but he has to move down 10 places on the grid following yesterday's engine failure and as a result the
Finn's will start from 13th.
KIMI RAIKKONEN "It will be a tough race starting from 13th as a result of my
penalty due to an engine change. The lap was OK. The car is working well, and there is really nothing more to do than wait for
tomorrow to see what we can achieve in the race. I'm confident that we have a competitive package and a strong strategy, so points
and even a podium are not out of reach."
JUAN PABLO MONTOYA "My lap time pretty much matches what I did
during practice. I haven't had the pleasure of starting late in the qualifying session this year which always makes it more
challenging. However, so far I have always been able to improve in the race. I think I can have a strong Grand Prix as the car is
behaving well, and our strategy should be good. The temperature tomorrow is predicted to be a lot higher, which will influence
things and hopefully help us."
RON DENNIS "Taking into account the necessity for a race strategy designed
to accommodate the 10-place penalty resulting from Kimi's engine failure yesterday his qualifying lap was sensational. This together
with a good start should see him with a chance to take a podium position tomorrow. Juan Pablo suffered a little from being early out
on the circuit and consequential lack of grip, but irrespective of this he too should have a strong race performance."
NORBERT
HAUG "Considering his strategy Kimi's qualifying lap was very good being one and half tenths from pole time. His engine
failure on Friday meant that he has to start from thirteenth place instead of third in tomorrow's race with Juan Pablo in eighth. We
have the speed for good results and we can achieve them despite starting from fourth and seventh rows."
