Raikkonen surprised to be third

The Finn, still looking for his first win of the season, will start from third position after finishing behind the Renaults of Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella, who completed the first front row lockout of the year for the French outfit.

"I think I was much happier with the car in the morning," admitted Raikkonen, who had started from the front row in the previous race at Silverstone.

"I am surprised to be in third: the car did not feel nice. It is a good result and I think we should be okay in the race.

"We changed a little bit the car for the race, so hopefully it will be easier in the race and it will work out. Let's wait and see."

Despite starting from the front row in England, Raikkonen was unable to keep up with Alonso in the race, eventually having to settle for a distant third behind Michael Schumacher.

The McLaren driver is hoping the gap will be smaller tomorrow.

"Hopefully we can get closer than the last race," said Raikkonen. "They seem to be quick here, but we have to improve and the car is getting better so hopefully we can get close to them."

Raikkonen's teammate Juan Pablo Montoya will start the race from seventh place.