YEONGAM: McLaren's Lewis Hamilton will start the Korean Grand Prix from pole position after a superb qualifying performance to end the domination of Red Bull, as the team failed to finish ahead on the grid for the first time this season.
Hamilton clocked a fastest lap of one minute and 35.8 seconds on his second flying run to leave world champion Sebastian Vettel chasing a time he could not match as he finished second. The Englishman claimed his first pole for more than a year, the 19th of his career, and answered his critics after a troubled run of inconsistent results.
But there were no flamboyant celebrations afterwards. When he spoke after the race, it was with an intensity that let his listeners know he had no time for fun.
"I'm very happy," he said in a downbeat voice. "I'm very proud of what the team has been able to achieve over the last few races, but tomorrow is the day that really counts." McLaren team chief Martin Whitmarsh echoed his views.
"We're here to win races, but pole position feels good if you haven't had it for a long time," he said. "I'm sure this will cheer Lewis up, not as much as a race win would, but to be on pole, any driver wants that."
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2011.
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