Saturday: McLaren falters as expected in qualifying

When it comes to being realistic about its current level, McLaren-Mercedes knows how to do it. In this second race of the year, one might think that the Woking team is far from a podium finish or worse, a victory. However, extremely close lap times between the teams should be a relief for them.

Tomorrow, Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen will start from the back on the Sepang grid, even though the Briton gains a spot thanks to Vettel with a 12th position. The Finn will be just behind his teammate, two places further back.

Lewis Hamilton – 12th and 12th (13th time):

« We qualified knowing our level very well. We don’t yet have the necessary pace to enter Q3, but I hope it will be soon. We are simply not able to approach the corners with enough speed. »

« We are expecting improvements over the next two or three races. For tomorrow, I will try to do my best by aiming to score points. »

Heikki Kovalainen – 13th and 14th:

« We knew that getting into the top 10 would be difficult. My result is more or less what I expected. The gap between the cars is even smaller than it was in Melbourne. I am convinced that we are in the right direction, but we haven’t yet found the speed we need. »

This position today is not to my liking, but I did my best. I’m looking forward to being on the track tomorrow to fight.

Martin Whitmarsh – Team Principal:

« We always knew that qualifying would be difficult because at Sepang, the MP4-24 doesn’t have the aerodynamics and the level of downforce necessary to be at the front. It’s not Lewis or Heikki’s fault, who are driving without making the slightest mistake at the moment. »

« Of course, starting 12th and 14th on a grid, we are not used to that, but we are convinced that the improvements we are preparing for the upcoming races will allow us to reach Q3. »