Chinese Grand Prix 2011: 2nd Qualifying session – Formula One highlights (part 3)
Rubens Barrichello headed the relegation zone as Michael Schumacher ran in P13 after making another lunge for a top 10 spot.
Meanwhile, Sebastien Buemi slapped on a set of soft compound Pirellis and was on a flyer, while the rest of the cars got ready to make the final charge to make the cut for the final practice session. Vitaly Petrov also a started his flying lap, a minute later.
Moments later, Buemi went 5th fastest in his Toro Rosso. The Renault of Petrov did one better on the Toro Rosso as the Russian went 4th fastest. However, any such celebrations were short lived as Petrov came to a stop at the side of the track with hydraulic problems – Was it the end of qualifying for the Renault or would the team be able to come up with a quick fix once the car reached the team garage and get it ready for Q3? - Or would Petrov’s time survive the onslaught from the remaining cars fighting out for a top 10 spot lap time?
The Red Flags were out as a result of the Renault impeding the way but were lifted a minute later as a nearly 10-car queue set out on track together. With not so long remaining, there was a scamper to record a competitive flying lap – It appeared that the McLarens were the greatest beneficiaries as they still occupied the top 2 spots heading into the final practice session.
Everyone scampered around to find their groove in traffic as Nico Rosberg was impeded by Perez slightly. The track was so jammed pack that the Sauber couldn’t be blamed for inadvertently blocking off the Mercedes.
Elsewhere on track, Felipe Massa was feeling the heat as he locked up his tyres. The Brazilian has been under a lot of pressure as he has failed to record a decent finish this term. The Ferrari number two has also lacked race pace and failed to match up to his Spanish teammate Fernando Alonso. This time around, the driver in the yellow helmet was desperate to come up with a fast lap and cement his spot for the final practice session.
There was a tussle for a top 10 place as the clock for the second qualifying session was about to strike 15 minutes. Stay with us on bettor.com to find out how the second qualifying session unfolded.
Continued in part 4...
Tags: