MAY 26, 2001
I could have gone faster
Coulthard's final lap gave him his second pole position of the season and nudged Michael Schumacher into second place. It was the Scots 12th career pole, and was delighted with his performance.
"I was at the front for the first couple of runs and the only thing that could have been better would have been to stay there for the whole of the session," Coulthard said.
"When I started the last run, I knew from the sectors that the time was there. I really thought when I went into the swimming pool that providing no one else was quicker, you could get pole here, so just go where you know rather than searching.
"So there was potentially a little bit quicker time but it was just a matter of trying to finish the lap. It was a good lap. I'm very happy because of all the places to qualify, I think Monaco is technically the most challenging in terms of precision."
Coulthard's team-mate Mika Hakkinen will start third on the grid after being knocked off the front row. And he said that he would have to be patient in the race if he is to finish in the points.
"From third position, the start is obviously very difficult indeed," Hakkinen said. "I will be very happy if I can maintain the position where I am at the moment and take David and Michael at the start if they have a big problem.
"Then during the race, the performance of the cars is very close, so overtaking will be very difficult. I will just have to stay very patient and have good tactics and hope all the luck is on our side."