Webber Surprised by Qualifying Pace

Jaguar's Mark Webber said he was surprised to be so quick in first qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit.

Webber, who has become a regular among the fastest times in qualifying in recent races, continued to show his impressive form by setting the sixth quickest lap of the day at the fast Italian track.

The Jaguar driver, whose team finished on the podium in last year's race, said he wasn't expecting to be so high up.

"I had a rather difficult morning in preparation for qualifying and I am surprised at having secured sixth place today," admitted the Australian. "The track is certainly a lot slower than when we tested here last week and while it's pleasing to have posted the sixth fastest time today, my focus is firmly on Sunday's race.

"The one-lap pace is something we are usually very strong at but we have a fair deal of work ahead of us if we are to remain competitive over a race distance."

Webber again was untouchable in the fastest of the Jaguars, with teammate Justin Wilson finishing more than 1.5 seconds off his pace in 15th place.

"A frustrating day that hasn't ended too well for me," said Wilson. "My morning sessions were both compromised with a gearbox problem during the two-hour test and an engine problem in free practice. The track is slower and feels different to when we tested last week and I didn't get any low fuel runs prior to qualifying.

"This hindered me considerably, especially when it comes to understanding the limit of the car and tyres. Nonetheless, Friday qualifying means little and there is still ample time in which to make a difference this weekend."