Coulthard rues reliability issues

The Scot was unable to complete a single timed lap in the second qualifying segment after his car's seemed to suffer an oil pressure-related problem.

Coulthard managed to return to the pits, but his team were unable to repair the problems in time and the Scot will have to start from 16th position.

"I had a problem with my car on my out lap, which the guys are looking into now," said Coulthard. "It's very disappointing as I think we were in reasonable shape this weekend. Everyone's working hard in the team to find the edge, that's the definition of Formula One, being right on the limit.

"Sometimes teams hook it up, as McLaren have this year, but they had reliability issues before now so I'm reluctant to be 'dummy in the dust' because I don't want to lose the attacking spirit that's in the team at the moment.

"Sixteenth isn't good, but that's what we have, so I'll do the best that I can from there."

Teammate Mark Webber also endured a disappointing day after he managed just one flying lap in the second session, the Australian finishing down in 14th.

"The first qualifying session went pretty well, but in the second session I had a moment in the fast chicane on my first timed lap, so I aborted it," he said.

"The second lap went okay, but it just wasn't quick enough. I just didn't seem to have the rear grip in the second session that I had in the first. We'll see how we go tomorrow."