McLaren save face

McLaren were much stronger in race trim

Hungarian Grand Prix results

McLaren were relieved to salvage some self-respect in the Hungarian Grand Prix after a disastrous qualifying session had left them in 10th and 11th places on the grid.

Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard recovered to finish fourth and fifth after well-judged races, with only the Ferraris and the Williams of Ralf Schumacher ahead.

Team boss Ron Dennis said that McLaren's Michelin tyres explained the team's improved performance.

Michelin took to Hungary a tyre that was too hard, so the team suffered a lack of grip in qualifying.

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But race day was much hotter, which reduced the disadvantage this caused.

"Our improved race performance was a result of the higher ambient temperature which allowed us to maximise the performance of our Michelin tyres," Dennis said.

He praised the performances of Raikkonen and Coulthard as "excellent".

Earlier, Dennis had blamed tyres for McLaren's dreadful qualifying form.

He implied that both McLaren and Williams believed that Michelin had brought too hard a tyre to Hungary.

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McLaren were expected to be strong after battling for victory at Monaco and Magny-Cours this year, circuits which demand similar strengths from a Formula One car.

"Our best estimate at the moment is tyres. That's not an excuse because of the competitiveness of other teams on Michelin tyres, but we know that Michelin was concerned after Hockenheim.

"Certainly ourselves, and Williams, were surprised at the tyre choice for this event."

He added: "Our lack of performance in light of the results we achieved in Monaco and Magny-Cours, which are circuits with similar characteristics, is something which we at this stage don't fully understand.

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Coulthard won in Monaco having started from the front row of the grid and Raikkonen was on course to win in France before spinning on oil four laps from the end.

McLaren's greatest weakness this season has been a comparative lack of power from their Mercedes engine.

Many regard their chassis to be as good as the Ferrari's, which should have put them in good stead on the tight and twisty Hungaroring.

But McLaren have been struggling to find a good handling balance this weekend.

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McLaren's tyre supplier, Michelin, appear to be at a disadvantage compared to the Bridgestones used by Ferrari.

And the McLaren is easier on its tyres than the Williams, which is probably why Ralf Schumacher was able to qualify just 0.4secs behind the Ferraris.

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