Ralf Delighted with Unexpected Pole

Germany's Ralf Schumacher was delighted after putting his Williams on pole position for Sunday's Monaco Formula One Grand Prix alongside the McLaren of Championship leader Kimi Raikkonen.

Ralf lapped the Monte Carlo circuit in 1:15.259s, 0.036 faster than Raikkonen, to claim his second career pole position, also ending his older brother Michael's run of three consecutive poles for Ferrari.

The younger Schumacher, the only driver who has scored points in all races this year, said he wasn't expecting to be able to fight for pole.

"Looking at this morning's times I really did not expect to be on pole today and obviously I am very pleased about my second pole," said the German. "Driving in Monaco is a great challenge and if your car has the right balance then it is a true pleasure.

"I must say thanks to the whole team for the great job they have done and also to Michelin for their tyres which seem to be very consistent here. We have all had a couple of hard weeks and achieving this success feels very good now. However, tomorrow is the day that really counts."

Last year's pole position setter Juan Pablo Montoya had to settle for third place this year. The Colombian, however, was encouraged by Williams' performance.

"We have a good and consistent car for the race and both Ralf and myself are starting from good positions," said Montoya. "It is important for the team what we have achieved today. It is clear that the team now understands the car more and can better exploit the potential of the FW25."