McLaren duo takes cautious approach

Despite the fact that David Coulthard set the fastest time in free practice this morning, he and McLaren team-mate Kimi Raikkonen failed to get into the top five in first qualifying for the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim today (Friday)

Raikkonen was sixth fastest after making an error in the final sector of the track, while Coulthard languished down in 11th with a time three-tenths slower than his team-mate. Neither seemed concerned after the session had finished, however.

"My lap was not too bad," said Raikkonen. "I only lost time in the last sector, and it was the first time today we ran with the new tyres and less fuel, so it was difficult to know how hard you could push. Everything is working well and the car is nice to drive. We will not see the true picture before tomorrow, so it's difficult to say where we will be."

Coulthard added: "My time was pretty much the same as I did in this morning's practice where I was fastest. I wasn't as tidy in Turn 2 and at the hairpin on my qualifying lap, so I know that we can be quicker. It looks like the Michelin tyres are performing well here, so I'm expecting a close battle for pole position tomorrow."

Team boss Ron Dennis blamed poor track conditions on the support race practice sessions that preceded the F1 running. He said: "Consequently both Kimi and David took a cautious approach to what at the end of the day is not a vital session."