We all remember those brilliant or dramatic races on which championships can turn and reputations are made and, season on season, qualifying usually just helps ramp up the weekend's expectation. Now and then, however, qualifying sessions provide their own story and stay in the memory. Which qually sessions did you really enjoy, as much as you enjoyed those classic races? You don't have to be specific in terms of date and location - "the one where Schumacher parked his car on the last corner" is fine - but I'd appreciate a little memory jogging if you don't mind contributing. Thanks!
Fernando Alonso in his Minardi taking provisional pole at Indianapolis 2001 (okay there was like 45mins remaining, but he did go on to outqualify Villenueve) The final few minutes of Brazil 07 were also exciting
Vettel's pole in Abu Dhabi, most important for his current career, he took it to Lewis and Alonso and came out on top separating by hundredths of seconds.
One of the damnedest things I ever did see was qualifying for the 1997 European GP in Jerez when Villeneuve posted a 1:21.072, then Schumacher posted a 1:21.072, then Frentzen posted a 1:21.072. I thought the timing system had been set with a minimum possible time.
Belguim 08 for me. I remember going into qually thinking Lewis or Hiekki cant stick it on pole.. can they?? But Lewis put in a brilliant last lap to grab pole from the Ferraris. And the race... less said the better maybe....
Thought I'd mention Massa's pole in Singapore '08. I think he ended up 8 tenths clear of second, I don't know where he found the time, Smedley was in disbelief afterwards. I'd love it if he managed to recapture his best form, he was a top driver on his day. Also, Malaysia last year. Love it when big names go out in Q1 and both Ferraris and both McLarens (technically Button made it through, but couldn't take part in Q2) went out. Some of Schumacher's stick in the mind as well, Monaco in '96 for example. Most recently of course has to be Hulkenberg's in Brazil. Who would've predicted that?
Funny how a lot of the quali laps mentioned ended up counting for nothing in the races! Senna's qualifying laps at Monaco are an education in precison and commitment and should be shown to any budding young racing drivers. My favourite was Mansell at Silverstone in 1990. Was given Prosts car without being told as Prost thought Mansell's original car had a better chassis. Mansell then promptly sticks 'Prost's' car on pole position. Again though, less said about the race the better
El_bando, The Arrows was a very good car on slow circuit for some reason. Hill got 4th at Jerez not far behind the trio who all got the same lap times. Really liked the look of the 97 Arrows, just a shame you can;t get a big model of it. Only have it in 1:43 scale . Anyone know if it can be got in a larger scale?
I remember this very well. A seemingly bizarre quirk of coincidence. Schumacher tying on the exact same time was unprecedented; something very noteworthy in itself. But Frentzen doing the same thing a few minutes later beggars belief if you hold to short term statistical probability. Others that made a lasting impression were Damon Hill. There were quite few where he dug very deep to pull out some magic with just seconds to go: time and time again he would do it! - That was impressive, especially bearing in mind the qualifying format at the time.
Aha! I see others have beaten me to the post - as it were - concerning Damon Hill. I'd not read the thread before posting mine (above). - Glad that it's not just me; it's kind of reassuring that others remember this too…
Suzuka 05...which lead to a brilliant race. Brazil 07, 08, 09. For the title...plus 09 was wet made it even more exciting Abu Dhabi 2010 - again for the title, the top 5 being the title contenders a lot of tension in this one...Alonso putting the car in 3rd kind of ruined it as you thought then...damn the title is his. There are others...mainly late 07 and 08 sessions
