Spanish Grand Prix: Hamilton outpaces Rosberg in qualifying

Clocks 1min 22sec to end up with best lap and grab first pole in three races

BARCELONA: Lewis Hamilton grabbed his first pole position in three races ahead of his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg with a thrilling revival of his speed in yesterday’s qualifying session for today’s Spanish Grand Prix.

The defending world champion, who trails Rosberg by 43 points in the title race, revived his quickest form of the past with a stunning showing in both Q2 and Q3.

He ended up with a best lap in 1min and 22sec, 0.280sec ahead of Rosberg’s fastest lap on a day when teenager Max Verstappen demonstrated just why he was promoted, so unexpectedly, by Red Bull from Toro Rosso.



The 18-year-old Dutchman was second-fastest at one time and his speed inspired his Red Bull teammate, Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who responded by qualifying third ahead of him on the grid.

This meant the two Red Bulls separated Mercedes from their main rivals Ferrari, who were pushed back to fifth and sixth, Finn Kimi Raikkonen edging ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the final seconds.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.