23 July: German Grand Prix - Qualifying Report - McLaren Mercedes
Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen will start tomorrow's Mobil 1 German Grand Prix from pole position after setting a
time of 1:14.320. It looked like it was going to be an all Team McLaren Mercedes front row with Juan Pablo Montoya appearing fast
until the last corner of his flying lap when he lost the rear end of the car and spun into the tyre barrier. Consequently he will
start tomorrow's race from the back. Today's pole position was Kimi's 7th in Formula One and McLaren-Mercedes 40th.
KIMI
RAIKKONEN "I am happy to be on pole which is the position that the team deserves after all the hard work. Surprisingly
the car wasn't handling as well as in free practice this morning. My qualifying performance wasn't perfect as I had a short moment
when I slid a little too much at the second to last corner due to oversteer. Anyway it's good to start from pole position, but I
expect a tough race tomorrow. Unfortunately Juan Pablo has to start from the back following his off. Obviously I would have liked
him to start from the front row to make it the optimum result for the team today, but that is motor racing."
JUAN
PABLO MONTOYA "There is no excuse really. I made a mistake and simply lost the car. It was going to be a really quick
lap, possibly pole and I thought all that is left now is to get a good exit out of the last corner. As I lifted, I lost the rear and
that was it. I'm really upset for the team as everybody has been working so hard to make a one-two possible, and it really is
important for us in the Championship. The car definitely has the potential. I will just have to give it my all in the race tomorrow
and hope for the best to try and make it up to the team."
RON DENNIS "This was a qualifying session of
mixed emotions as we definitely had the opportunity to get both cars on the front row. Juan Pablo made a mistake, but he has the
pace to make his way up the field. Kimi's pole position is well deserved and will put us in a strong position to challenge for the
victory tomorrow."
NORBERT HAUG "An excellent qualifying performance from Kimi. His pole position is the
result of the good work of the team throughout yesterday and today. Without Juan Pablo's mistake both cars would have been on the
front row."
