Toyota buoyant over qualifying pace

McNish raised a few eyebrows on Thursday when the ex-sportscar ace set the second fastest time during practice, and his team-mate Mika Salo's ninth place on the grid is the German-based team's best qualifying result yet. But the Scot was left to rue a first hot-lap brush with the Armco that affected the handling of the car from then on.

"The car wasn't as good the first thing this morning, but it improved quite a bit in qualifying," said McNish. "The only thing that was a bit of a disappointment was I touched the barrier on the first lap which knocked the toes out, so it wasn't quite as good after that. But obviously good enough to be in the top 10."

Salo added that since Monaco is traditionally a car-breaking circuit, his ninth place slot could bode well for the reliable Toyota.

"The team performance was very good to get both myself and Allan in the top 10," said the Finn. "Our car has been reliable so far this season and starting the Monaco Grand Prix from ninth on the grid is very promising."