Räikkönen: We could be sitting on pole!

Despite receiving a five place grid penalty, Kimi is in good shape for the Malaysian Grand Prix after challenging at the sharp end of the field throughout qualifying at the Sepang International Circuit this afternoon.

Kimi, after a disappointing qualifying session in Australia you must be pleased with today’s progress?

Well it could be better of course; we could be sitting on pole! Either way, it’s better than last Saturday! Seriously though, today was definitely a positive day. Unfortunately I made a couple of mistakes on my fastest lap which probably cost a couple of tenths. Without that I think we would have had a chance to be on pole. I got a little bit sideways at the exit of turn nine and we lost some time, but that’s how it goes sometimes.

You mentioned after Free Practice on Friday that you hadn’t yet found the ideal setup. Were you happier with the car today?

The car was working well today. We had some issues with KERS yesterday, but there was no repeat today. The car worked exactly as it should and it felt good. It’s a shame we have a penalty on the grid but the car works well.

You’re starting in P10 tomorrow after that grid penalty; do you think the podium is in reach from there?

It’s impossible to say; I’ll tell you tomorrow! The cars in front of us are obviously quick but we showed good race pace in Melbourne and also in the long runs during free practice yesterday so we’ll see what happens.

In Melbourne you showed good pace once you were in clear air. Are you expecting the same here?

The car was quick in the first race so hopefully we can be at the same again. It’s been strong in Jerez, Barcelona, Melbourne, and now here which is a good sign. This track is a bit more difficult over a race distance because of the heat but I’m happy with how the car feels. It would be nice to be starting nearer the front but if we can get through the first lap without any incidents we can build from there.

The weather here is unpredictable to say the least. What will you be thinking if it rains?

Well I did an installation lap on the intermediate tyres earlier so I’m sure I’ll be fine!