Raikkonen Hoping Engine Woes are Over

McLaren and partner Mercedes said an oil pump had failed and the engine had been replaced, costing the Finn 10 places on Sunday's grid at Silverstone.

It was a bitter blow for the Finn, 24 points behind Renault's Formula One leader Fernando Alonso with nine races remaining, after he had dominated the opening practice session on a cold and overcast morning.

With McLaren clearly the fastest car on the circuit, Raikkonen pulled over before he had set a timed lap at the start of the final 45-minute stint.

Raikkonen, with three wins so far this season but as many possible victories slipping through his fingers, could scarcely believe his continuing misfortune.

"It's not the ideal situation again," the Finn said in his deadpan voice. "There's nothing I can do, I just have to drive as quickly as I can and we'll see what happens. It's not the way to try to win the Championship if you take every time 10 places penalty.

"It's not the first time it happens, it's nothing too new. But hopefully it's the last time."

The Finn posted the second quickest time in qualifying behind Alonso, who will start from pole position for the second time in a row.

Raikkonen finished second in France after starting 13th and Silverstone is a circuit that plays to the McLaren's strengths. He refused to give up hope despite his evident frustration.

"In racing anything can happen and we will do our best and hope for an exciting Grand Prix tomorrow."

His teammate Juan Pablo Montoya was third quickest.

"It was an OK lap time," the Colombian said. "I could have been one or two tenths quicker, but was a bit careful coming into the first corner because of the wind and all of a sudden lost a lot of grip when I turned in at Becketts. However the rest of the lap was pretty good and I pushed like crazy.

"Qualifying is important here at Silverstone and whilst it's a disadvantage to be out early, I still managed to get on the second row and I hope it will be a strong race for me."