De la Rosa rues wrong tyre choice

McLaren, facing the prospect of finishing the season without a victory for the first time in a decade, had a dismal day, failing to get either of their cars into the top 10.

Finn Kimi Raikkonen, last year's winner at Suzuka from 17th on the grid, qualified in 11th, with Spanish teammate de la Rosa down in 13th.

"It was complicated because we didn't make it to qualifying three, but there isn't a lot to say because the car was not running badly, but probably we didn't choose the right tyres," de la Rosa told Spanish television.

"But I have to say I'm happy with my performance. The car was well balanced, but it just wasn't fast enough. We probably got the tyres wrong. The Bridgestones are very strong here in Suzuka and that was evident.

"We needed four or five tenths to be in the top ten, but that wouldn't have changed much. Neither Kimi or me made it, but I'm not unhappy because the car was working well. I just didn't have enough grip because the tyres were not working well."

It was the first time this season that McLaren, using Michelin tyres, have failed to get a car in the top ten.