Back on track: Rosberg steals pole position from Hamilton
German edges Mercedes teammate in Hungarian GP qualifying
Rosberg produced a fastest lap of 1min and 19.965sec at the end of a session stretched to nearly two hours by heavy rain and crashes in the hazardous conditions. PHOTO: AFP
BUDAPEST:
Nico Rosberg rode his luck to grab pole position for today’s Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton in a prolonged qualifying session punctuated by rainstorms and red flags.
The championship-leading 31-year-old German produced a fastest lap of 1min and 19.965sec at the end of a session stretched to nearly two hours by heavy rain and crashes in the hazardous conditions on the twisting Hungaroring circuit yesterday.
Defending three-time champion Hamilton, who is just one point behind Rosberg after 10 of this year’s 21 races, was 0.143sec behind his rival as the pair secured their team’s sixth front-row lockout of the season.
“It was a really challenging qualifying with the changing conditions all the time,” said Rosberg. “I’ve been feeling really good out there the whole weekend in all conditions. I’m looking forward to the race.”
Nico Rosberg signs new deal with Mercedes
Hamilton looked to be on course to take pole when on an improved best lap he came across Spaniard Fernando Alonso’s McLaren spinning off the track in front of him.
The Briton had to take evasive action, which cost him time, before Rosberg came round and was able to continue without easing off.
“It was unfortunate with Fernando, but these things happen,” said Hamilton, who has been gnawing away at Rosberg’s lead in the standings and is chasing a third win in succession. He added: “I did the best I could do and it’s a long race tomorrow so I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
The two Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo, who was also affected by Alonso’s spin, and Dutch teenager Max Verstappen were third and fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.
Vettel’s teammate Kimi Raikkonen was unable to progress from Q2 in the treacherous conditions.
Hamilton Hungary for more
Spaniards Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso and Alonso were sixth and seventh ahead of Briton Jenson Button in the second McLaren, Nico Hulkenberg of Force India and Valtteri Bottas of Williams, who was 10th fastest.
Rosberg’s success brought him his 26th career pole position and his 50th front-row start for a race he has never won.
Heavy rain delayed the start of Q1 by 20min, flooding many parts of the paddock, including television commentary booths.
“It’s pretty hairy out there, there’s a lot of spray and standing water,” said Williams deputy team chief Claire Williams.
“The most important thing is the safety of our drivers,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 24th, 2016.
Nico Rosberg rode his luck to grab pole position for today’s Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton in a prolonged qualifying session punctuated by rainstorms and red flags.
The championship-leading 31-year-old German produced a fastest lap of 1min and 19.965sec at the end of a session stretched to nearly two hours by heavy rain and crashes in the hazardous conditions on the twisting Hungaroring circuit yesterday.
Defending three-time champion Hamilton, who is just one point behind Rosberg after 10 of this year’s 21 races, was 0.143sec behind his rival as the pair secured their team’s sixth front-row lockout of the season.
“It was a really challenging qualifying with the changing conditions all the time,” said Rosberg. “I’ve been feeling really good out there the whole weekend in all conditions. I’m looking forward to the race.”
Nico Rosberg signs new deal with Mercedes
Hamilton looked to be on course to take pole when on an improved best lap he came across Spaniard Fernando Alonso’s McLaren spinning off the track in front of him.
The Briton had to take evasive action, which cost him time, before Rosberg came round and was able to continue without easing off.
“It was unfortunate with Fernando, but these things happen,” said Hamilton, who has been gnawing away at Rosberg’s lead in the standings and is chasing a third win in succession. He added: “I did the best I could do and it’s a long race tomorrow so I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
The two Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo, who was also affected by Alonso’s spin, and Dutch teenager Max Verstappen were third and fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.
Vettel’s teammate Kimi Raikkonen was unable to progress from Q2 in the treacherous conditions.
Hamilton Hungary for more
Spaniards Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso and Alonso were sixth and seventh ahead of Briton Jenson Button in the second McLaren, Nico Hulkenberg of Force India and Valtteri Bottas of Williams, who was 10th fastest.
Rosberg’s success brought him his 26th career pole position and his 50th front-row start for a race he has never won.
Heavy rain delayed the start of Q1 by 20min, flooding many parts of the paddock, including television commentary booths.
“It’s pretty hairy out there, there’s a lot of spray and standing water,” said Williams deputy team chief Claire Williams.
“The most important thing is the safety of our drivers,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 24th, 2016.