Also good to see Massa out qualify Alonso another time after a poor race in Singapore through no fault of his own, and I am gutted for Nico could have cost him the in house battle against Michael Schumacher. I think a McLaren one - two will happen tomorrow, can't decide which order though...
They all went for the same gap in the track it seems, those three cars would never have all got through, no matter what happened. All you'd achieve is a massive que that would destroy any lap time. Its always a dangerous game trying to be the last through. On a side note who remembers Button starting a lap in a Brawn and the lights going red less than a second after he went through?
Yeah that was in Spain 2009 I believe?? His engineer said it was because he wanted to make a gap to Kubica in the BMW at that time and Jenson was given a target time for the final sector and just about made it by 0.5 seconds.
What do you guys reckon the difference between the clean and dirty side will be. Looking at the chance of someone jumping Vettel at the start.
Well as I've already said I think Hami was maintaining a gap that was right for him and WOULD have just got him over the line. I believe he was concentrating on himself and was well aware of the time - but should have anticipated that the cars behind would miss out and that they woudn't be having any of it. That seems to have been his mistake. But looking at the bigger picture why didnt Mclaren tell Button (in front of Hamilton) to step on it - unless the car in front of him was also too close. We just don't know.
Being on the clean side I would normally expect Hami to get the jump at least on Button and perhaps even Vettel BUT does anyone else think Hami's starts this season have been poor ? the way things have been going I wouldn't bet against his best buddy Massa leading him into the first corner. Hope not.
The starts have been poor for Lewis but tyres will decide this race. Lets not forget that Lewis didn't use that set of options for a fast lap or Schumacher.
You're probably right - but I so hate that quote. I just wish we could go back to more durable tyres, no DRS and hard racing where races are won through pure speed, late breaking and true overtaking ability. Ahh well never mind.
Kobayashi Moves Up To Seventh On Suzuka Grid That'll please some and upset others. Its how it should be I guess, if you try to set a lap then its better than just sitting in the garage. Kobi is now on the clean side and further up, go him!
Mclaren have shot themselves in the foot for the millionth time Should have had a front row lockout but cock up yet again
Schumi has a point here and I was disappointed by Hamiltons reaction in the press conference, he has nobody to blame but himself.
To be fair to Lewis Schumi has not called Lewis stupid, he called the situation stupid, bad reporting.
Bit suprised to see him saying this but... Lewis Hamilton accepts blame for qualifying error I get the feeling he just wants to get to the end of the season without upsetting anyone else and without getting the FIA on his back, he seems very coy in interviews and much more subdued. Hopefully he can clear his head and get another win this season so him and Button can really go for it next season.
Nice to see him holding his hand up, in the conference he seemed to blame Webber and Schumacher when all they were doing was trying to get their laps in after he was holding them up. Hopefully we can see him 100percent next season and learning from this year.
I think at the end of the day p1, p2, p3, they can all win from that position. The race will come down to strategy, tyres and consistent race pace.
I set my alarm clock for 5, woke up, and then fell promptly back to sleep . Luckily I had planned for this eventuality and recorded quali just in case which I was able to watch when I woke up two and a half hours later. It looks like Mclaren have got themselves the perfect grid positions; Hamilton to Liuzzi Vettel down the inside of the first corner and Button to waltz off and win the race. Then it is simply a case of copy and emulate another five times. Should be a very good race though. I have a feeling that Button will win it.
