Coulthard Not Surprised by Ferrari's Pace

Scot David Coulthard said that he expects Ferrari to dominate proceedings on home soil at Imola after World Champion Michael Schumacher claimed the top spot in Friday's qualifying for this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix.

Schumacher, who has failed to climb onto the podium in the first three races of the year, finished almost half a second clear of his closest rival, teammate Rubens Barrichello.

"It is no surprise," said Coulthard. "Ferrari have a quick car. It's what we've all seen for the last couple of years â€" the track suits them."

McLaren won the first two races of the season, in Australia and Malaysia, and currently lead the World Championship by 16 points over closest rivals Renault, with Ferrari even further back. Although Coulthard knows Imola will be a tough race for his team, with Ferrari racing on home ground, he still believes he and Raikkonen can maintain their Championship momentum.

"The goal for Friday is to be close to the front group, your rivals if you like, and we are just not getting the laps times out of the car," he said. "But this is only stage one. It is obvious we wanted more but I don't think the times are an indication of how tomorrow will be.

"This is not one of our better circuits but I still think we'll be in with a chance of a podium."