Raikkonen Laments Missing Out on First Pole

McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen came close to scoring his first Formula One pole position in today's qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix.

Raikkonen, who crashed on the starting grid at the last race in Spain after qualifying on the back row, returned to the front with the second best time, only beaten by World Champion Michael Schumacher, who recovered from an early wobble to clinch his fourth pole of the season.

Raikkonen is just four points ahead of Schumacher in the overall standings but showed every intention of putting up stiff resistance in a race that his Ferrari rival is favourite to win.

"I'm pleased with today's result particularly after my qualifying at the last race. The view from the front of the grid is definitely better than from the back," said the Finn. "I drove an almost perfect lap, which is the first time I have done that in qualifying this year. It was close but unfortunately I just missed out on my first pole.

"We have improved the car from yesterday and it's working well. I'm looking forward to starting from the front row tomorrow and am confident that we have the right strategy so we should have a competitive race."

David Coulthard ran wide into the gravel at the last corner of his flying lap and spoiled all his chances of a good position. The Scot wound up a disappointing 14th.

"I have been struggling with the balance throughout the weekend and didn't have the confidence to attack," said Coulthard. "I ran wide at the last corner which cost me some time, but to be honest I don't think the lap would have been that good anyway. I'm disappointed but we will see what happens tomorrow."