10 September: Belgian Grand Prix - Qualifying Report - McLaren Mercedes
Team McLaren Mercedes drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen will start the last European Grand Prix of the 2005 season at
Spa from the front row after setting times of 1:46.391 and 1:46.440 respectively in today's qualifying. This is the team's first
one-two qualifying position since the 2001 San Marino Grand Prix in 2001 and the 19th for McLaren Mercedes. It's also the team's
seventh pole position of the season.
JUAN PABLO MONTOYA "That was a nice and smooth lap. I was sitting in the
car when I saw a few drops of rain and was thinking 'oh no'. However I think it just stopped when I went out and didn't affect my
lap. The car was working well despite us only having limited time to work on the set-up, but we seem to have found the perfect
balance between speed and grip. To get the front row is fantastic for both Kimi and I as it's just what the team needs at the
moment. I think it will be an interesting race tomorrow, and I'm sure the weather will play some sort of role. From where I'm
sitting it doesn't matter whether it's wet or dry, so let's see, and I'm sure it will be exciting either way."
KIMI
RAIKKONEN "To have both Juan Pablo and myself on the front row is great and I'm really pleased. Second place is good,
and we will work from there to get the best result we can. The car seems to be working well in both wet and dry conditions which is
reassuring as it seems like it's going to rain tomorrow. My lap was OK, but I was not on the limit as there were a few drops of
rain. I'm confident of a good result for myself and the team tomorrow – we have definitely given ourselves the best possible basis
today."
RON DENNIS "It goes without saying that the entire team is pleased with the outcome of today's
qualifying. Both Kimi and Juan Pablo performed well, and the team's disciplined efforts during the changing weather conditions so
far this weekend paid off. We are all looking forward to an exciting race tomorrow, and we are confident that with our strategy we
will be in with a strong chance of success no matter whether it's wet or dry."
NORBERT HAUG "A perfect
result and a great job by Juan Pablo, Kimi and the team, well done for the front row. Everybody made the best out of the limited
running we have done so far this weekend. Taking our strategy into account we should be well prepared for tomorrow's race. However
you will only see where you are in comparison to the competition once the race unfolds, and we see how the weather develops."
