We're back in the title fight, says Mercedes boss

He was speaking after Mika Hakkinen qualified just a third of a second slower than Michael Schumacher on pole to start right behind the Ferrari in third place.

David Coulthard was less than a tenth slower than his team mate in fifth place.

"I don't care what people have written about us, it is in the past now and over, but they have made a mistake," said Haug. "We are going to come back. We are a strong, fighting team.

"This performance means we are back in the fight for the championship. I expect Ferrari to be stronger, but other than Schumacher we should be very tough competition for anyone in the race.

"I think it is realistic to believe we can fight for the podium," said the German. "We have made a step in the right direction here. But I don't think anyone should underestimate our team and our strengths and style.

"We have progressed a lot in two weeks, so what can we do in another two weeks?"

Haug also paid tribute to the McLaren team that, he says, has worked non-stop since the start of the season, trying to rid the team of the reliability problems.

"I have to say thank you to the team," he continued. "They have done some good work on the engine and it is all coming together.

"I have every faith and belief in Adrian (Newey) and his guys in that they will continue to make another step forward."

Haug added: "It is great for the sport that the Schumacher brothers are on the front row, but we will try and split them tomorrow and go for it."