Raikkonen Expects a Third Win

Raikkonen's time was only two tenths of a second behind pole sitter, Williams driver Nick Heidfeld. But the Finn said his race strategy should see him challenge for a third consecutive victory.

"I am pretty happy with my result as we have a strong position by starting from the front row," Raikkonen said. "The track conditions during the qualifying session were not as good as in the morning. I know I have a good race car and our strategy should be good.

"It is difficult to say where we are compared to the other teams in terms of fuel load, [but] as long as I get a good start in the race we should be looking good to challenge for a win."

Raikkonen's teammate Juan Pablo Montoya rued a mistake during his qualifying lap, which he said had cost him at least one grid position.

"I was suffering from low grip throughout, and I made a slight mistake in the high speed chicane which lost me three tenths of a second," the Colombian said. "As a result I qualified lower than expected, which is disappointing."

But team boss Ron Dennis said Montoya's fifth place was more advantageous than a fourth position. "Juan Pablo's fifth place position puts him on the clean side of the grid giving him a small but important advantage over the cars to the right of him," Dennis said. "Whilst his lap was not perfect his race pace will be strong."

Raikkonen will start on the front row along side Heidfeld, who secured his maiden pole position in Formula One. Heidfeld, who was a McLaren-Mercedes protege until last year, was congratulated by Mercedes' sporting director Norbert Haug.