Saturday: As expected, McLaren isn’t up to the task

Bad day for the McLaren-Mercedes team. No positives can be drawn from today’s qualifying session. Lewis Hamilton made it to Q2 but without much conviction, qualifying in 14th place. His teammate, Heikki Kovalainen, did worse with an 18th place finish, being eliminated in Q1.

No one is stating it, but a judgment error is to the benefit of the British team, which did not deem it wise to bring out their driver who, in the end, only has the two Force India drivers behind him. A tough race ahead, even if 7th or 8th place remains a target for Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton – 7th and 14th:

« It wasn’t a bad lap, but there are still too many problems mainly at turns three and nine. We did the best we could today, my lap wasn’t fantastic, but the car wasn’t fast enough. I couldn’t go any faster. It will be a long and tough race for everyone and we will try to do the best we can with the hope of scoring some points. »

Heikki Kovalainen – 11th and 18th:

« It’s the first time this year that I haven’t reached Q2. In the last sector, Nick Heidfeld was in front of me and I think he slowed me down. It’s a tough weekend: I couldn’t find any grip today, which is why the time isn’t good. »

Martin Whitmarsh – Team Principal:

« We knew in advance that this would be a particularly difficult circuit for us and today has proven it. Let’s not forget that in only eight weeks, we have gained 2.5 seconds of pace. During qualifying, Lewis [Hamilton] was only four tenths off making it into Q3 and seven tenths off the front of Q2. »

« If it is still disappointing, it is nevertheless an important step compared to the positions we were in at the beginning of March on a track that highlights our car’s shortcomings. However, the first four races have shown that we have two very determined drivers. They have fought against all odds in the first four races, and we all believe in them for tomorrow. »