McLaren Vow to Improve Qualifying

Although Kimi Raikkonen and Pedro de la Rosa finished third and fifth in the race, the fact that the team once again set the fastest race lap showed that the relative lack of speed the car has in qualifying is compromising its chances on Sunday afternoons.

McLaren had been due to make some changes to the car in time for the Spanish Grand Prix but, with Renault clearly enjoying such an advantage at the moment, the team now want the modifications on the cars by the San Marino Grand Prix later this month.

Dennis said: "We are fully aware of what we have to do to improve our qualifying positions and will try hard to accelerate elements of change that were originally targeted for the Spanish Grand Prix.

"Our goals for 2005 remain completely unchanged, there are still 16 races to go and everything is still possible."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug echoed the team's view that curing the qualifying problems may well prove to be key to turning around the team's race performances.

"Congratulations to Kimi for third and Pedro for fifth place," he said. "The potential for top results is there, which can be seen from Kimi's podium finish and Pedro's fastest lap.

"With better grid positions more will be possible soon. We will continue to work hard to further improve our package and look forward to the start of the European season in Imola in three weeks time."