Formula One news

McLaren confident race strategy will prevail

McLaren Mercedes drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona from second and fourth positions respectively. Fernando set a time of 1m21.451 and was just 0.030 seconds from pole position. Lewis Hamilton's fastest time was 1m21.785. For the fourth time in four races, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers will start from second and fourth places.

"A good qualifying, and I'm pleased to be on the front row for my home race," said Alonso. "There is no doubt that the race will be as close and as competitive as today's qualifying however I'm confident that I can challenge for the victory. We have been strong throughout all the practice sessions and today's qualifying was the first time Ferrari was in front, so things are looking good, but I think everybody in the top four are capable of winning. The car is working well, and I'm enjoying driving it in front of all the fans."

Hamilton commented, "I'm satisfied with today's qualifying and believe that I have a strong race strategy. Anything is possible from the second row and we have been quick throughout the weekend. I have started fourth on a few occasions now, so I have an idea of what to do. I'm really pleased with the balance of the car and the improvements the team has made since Bahrain. Both Fernando and I will be on the dirty side of the track, but I think we have shown so far this year that it's not too much of a disadvantage. I look forward to an exciting race tomorrow."

Team boss Ron Dennis added, "A very close qualifying session where Fernando just missed out on pole position. We have been very competitive so far this weekend and combined with strong race strategies we look forward to fighting for victory tomorrow."

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