Raikkonen: crash didn't affect qualifying

The Finn crashed heavily at the Ascari Chicane in morning practice, forcing him to switch cars prior to qualifying even though the team were able to use his regular engine.

And although he was pipped to fourth place on the grid by Nick Heidfeld, Raikkonen thinks that the accident did not influence his speed in the afternoon.

"For sure it didn't help, but I don't think it hurt us too much," said Raikkonen. "We'll see tomorrow in the race how we do. Of course we could have done better in qualifying, and in the whole day so far, but I think we are still in a good position for the race."

Raikkonen has blamed the morning's accident on the rear tyres locking under braking. Moments before the crash he was seen adjusting the brake balance in the cockpit.

"I just locked the rear brakes, and unfortunately it turned right and not left," he said. "Once it turned right I could not do anything, so I just waited until it stopped. Once you are on the grass there is not much you can do."