Kimi prefers third to second

The Finn will line up third behind polesitter Michael Schumacher after being promoted from fourth due to Jenson Button's demotion to 13th. Raikkonen believes this is preferable to second for it means he will start the race on the inside of the track.

"It was an okay qualifying as we got the best out of the car, and I didn't make any mistakes," he said. "Our package is pretty strong, and we have been able to run consistently in race trim, so I'm confident for tomorrow when we should be able to fight for a good position. I think it's actually better to start from third than second here at Hockenheim as you are on the inside."

David Coulthard will line up alongside his team-mate on the second row after a positive qualifying performance in the new MP4-19B. The Scot was delighted with the Mercedes power and is confident of a strong race tomorrow.

"We found a few things on the car since yesterday which certainly improved things," he said. "It's a big relief actually, because at one point I thought we were going to be outside the top 10. We've got the best power we've ever had this weekend, and the overall package gives the driver a lot of confidence. It's a satisfactory qualifying for us, and hopefully we'll be on the podium on Sunday."

Team boss Ron Dennis hinted that his two charges could be carrying slightly heavier fuel loads that will play out come tomorrow's race.

"It's always tempting to deviate away from an optimum race strategy with a view to gaining grid positions," he said. "Only tomorrow will tell whether we have got it right."