Raikkonen Confident Despite Missing Front Row

Finn Kimi Raikkonen was sorry to miss out on a position on the front row of the grid ahead of tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver, however, was confident his team will be more competitive in race trim.

"1:21.466 is the best time we have done so far this weekend, and the gap to the front is less than before, so I'm very pleased," said the Finn, who qualified in fourth position. "Of course we would like to be on the front row, but everything is possible from the second line.

"I think we will be more competitive in the race as the car is working well, and we have a good strategy, so we will see what happens tomorrow. I'm sure it will be a great race."

Raikkonen, two points behind Championship leader Michael Schumacher, lost out to the German and his other title rival Juan Pablo Montoya in today's qualifying. The German will start from pole ahead of the Williams driver.

Scot David Coulthard was eighth quickest with the second McLaren.

"A reasonable lap where I set almost the same time as in the warm up," he said. "I was a bit cautious and there was no drama. I expected the track to get faster and faster as the session went on and it did.

"However I hope for a good start and with our strategy we should be able to maximise the situation in the race tomorrow."