Formula One: ‘Pole no longer key to winning’

Bull team Horner feels starting a race from pole position is no longer the key to winning at certain circuits.

LONDON: Bull team principal Christian Horner feels starting a race from pole position is no longer the key to winning at certain circuits. With the help of new tyres and overtaking aids, passing pole position has become easier and therefore more emphasis is put on pit strategy. Red Bull’s Mark Webber, who at the Chinese Grand Prix failed to qualify for the pole, managed to finish third from 18th. He was assisted by a new set of soft tyres. “It makes you question the value of qualifying,” said Horner. “We’re now going to reassess at each track how important it is to get to the front of the grid.”



Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2011.