Italian GP: Magnussen and Button surprised by McLaren's performance

The McLaren duo will share the third row of the grid after qualifying in fifth and sixth positions, with Magnussen ahead of Button.

The combined performance was one of the strongest from the Woking-based squad this season, and the Dane said it was unexpected following free practice.

"I didn't think our qualifying pace would be that strong," admitted Magnussen.

"I have a feeling that our race pace is quite good so to start P5 and P6 is good.

"I'm really happy to have Mercedes power on such long straights. Hopefully we can challenge the other guys with Mercedes engines tomorrow. We're fighting with Williams although they are some way in front of us.

"I have a feeling that our race pace is quite good and we have a car that is good to race with in terms of straight line speed and [being] good under braking."

Button added: "It's been pretty good all weekend actually, in terms of balance. But the middle sector wasn't very clean through the Lesmos so I lost a bit of time there.

"But still, we're quite far up - probably better than what we expected so it's not too bad."

Magnussen said, however, that thinking of a podium finish in the race was not realistic given the pace of the leading Mercedes and Williams teams.

"I don't think so - it's possible [but] I don't think it's too realistic really," he said of his podium chances.

"Anything can happen - it's Monza [and] anything can happen with the long straights and everything - overtaking is possible. We're realistic that tomorrow may be tough but I think that we will have a fun race tomorrow."