Saturday: McLaren was aiming for pole position

Jenson Button – 2nd

« The result of the qualifications is somewhat secondary today after what happened to Sergio in Q3 this afternoon. We all know that this circuit can be dangerous, and I know what it’s like to go off at that corner, but I’m really happy to hear that he doesn’t seem to have any serious injury. I have no doubt that he’s already telling the doctors he wants to race tomorrow.

Regarding my performance, I am very happy with my lap in Q3: I knew there was more to get out of the car after my runs in Q1 and Q2, where I experienced a bit too much understeer. Second place is not the easiest starting position here, but it’s always good to be at the front.

I think we are going to witness a Monaco Grand Prix that is different from what we are used to, strategy will be important and I think it will make the race more exciting than usual because we should be able to fight for victory even though we are not starting from pole position.

Our cars seem good here and it gives a lot of confidence: I will attack tomorrow in the race.

Lewis Hamilton – 7th

I hope Sergio is well, my prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family. He was driving so well this weekend, you can see it on the onboard cameras, but it was a big impact. You never want to see another driver get hurt, and it stays on your mind when you go back on track, but you have to stay professional.

After the restart, my tires and brakes weren’t up to temperature, so I couldn’t do a great lap.

I had good sensations all weekend and I was in the rhythm to play for the pole… I’m actually sure of it. I will do my best from my 7th place, and even though it will be hard to win, I won’t give up. I will keep pushing. The goal will be to score as many points as possible tomorrow.

Martin Whitmarsh – Team Principal

« First of all, I would like to say, on behalf of the entire team, that we hope Sergio is doing well. That’s more important than anything else.

To return to our qualifying performance today, Jenson did a very good lap quite early in Q3 and, even though he would have undoubtedly liked to go back to improve it, when the track was reopened, it was slower so it wasn’t possible for him.

Lewis had not yet set any time in Q3 before the session was interrupted, and he finished 7th. It is understandable that he is disappointed because he was in fantastic form all weekend and looked very good in Q1 and Q2 today. It would be fair to say he believed he could achieve pole position.

Instead of that, as I said, he will start from 7th position, which represents a challenge on a winding circuit. But he loves it, and if there’s a man capable of bouncing back, it’s Lewis.

Jenson will start the race from the front row. He won here in 2009, and he will definitely aim to do it again this year.