2nd place for Kimi as Pedro has to retire

Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen finished today's Italian Grand Prix in second place after starting the race from pole position. Team mate Pedro de la Rosa was forced to retire on lap 21 with an engine failure.

Both drivers were on two-stop strategies with Kimi stopping on laps 15 (8.9 seconds) and 38 (5.9 seconds) and Pedro on lap 14 (10.1 seconds). Team McLaren Mercedes remains third in the Constructors' World Championship with 97 points. Kimi is fifth with 57 points, Juan Pablo Montoya seventh with 26 points and Pedro 11th with 14 points.

“I’m happy with my second place here in Monza. All in all this was a good weekend for us, and the team has done a fantastic job. We have improved our starting system, which helped me a lot on the run to the first corner. I was controlling the race until my first pit stop but the fact that Michael was able to stay out for one more lap than me eventually decided the outcome of the race.”

"I lost a place at the start to slot into eighth. After that I was stuck behind cars, so I never really found out how quick I could have been. My first pit stop went as planned. We put a lot of fuel in the car to ensure a long second stint which was aimed to get me in clean air at the end. However all of sudden the engine failed, I had to stop the car and that was the end of the race for me. It is a pity as our package was very competitive today."

“A good drive from Kimi. A single lap of more fuel in the first stint could have turned second into a possible victory – but that’s racing. Pedro suffered a rare engine failure, which meant an early end to his race. The result shows how the team’s relentless efforts and disciplined approach throughout this weekend led to a positive result. Irrespective of the announcement of Kimi's future – and of course we wish him all the best – the entire team will continue to focus on the balance of this season where race wins are still possible as illustrated by today's result.”

“Second position, pole position, fastest lap and finishing as best Michelin team is a good job by the team and Kimi. We have been close to Michael Schumacher and not too much was missing to win today. Congratulations to Michael. For me it is sad to learn that he will retire after this season. With his retirement an era of Formula One racing ends. As already stated in our separate press release we all wish Kimi who will leave us at the end of the year all the best. Unfortunately Pedro suffered an engine failure, the cause of which is currently investigated. We will now work hard before the last three overseas races in order to do one better than today.”