Chinese Grand Prix 2011: 3rd Qualifying session – Formula One highlights (part 2)
This was the final stint; no driver was going to hold back. The start for the race was on the line. With Vettel posting the fastest time, who would step up against the World Champion? With Red Bull already suffering a big loss after their second driver failed to make it past the first qualifying session, could Vettel go on to make their day?
While the McLarens and Red Bull were ready to send their drivers in early, Ferrari looked on from the sidelines. Having used their quota of rubber for the period, both scarlet cars were waiting in the garage as they only had one set of soft tyres at their disposal for the session – The window of opportunity was small, the margin for error was narrow. The timing of their entry onto the track was vital for the Italian team if they hoped to get either if not both cars in amongst the front row for the race.
Meanwhile, Jaime Alguersuari started his warm up lap and was seen drive at full throttle past the start finish line to begin his flying lap. The Toro Rosso driver took 3rd position after his exploits – Effectively running more than 1.5 seconds behind Jenson Button in 2nd. Staying with Red Bull’s sister constructors, their second driver, Sebastien Buemi took his shot at the Shanghai cherry and slotted in behind his teammate in 4th spot.
Back in pit lane, Mercedes were getting ready to send Nico Rosberg out on the track – It could’ve been sweeter for Ross Brawn had Michael Schumacher also been an option for the final stint, but the German failed to get past the 2nd hurdle for the ‘3rd consecutive race’.
The 3rd qualifying session clock showed 3 minutes of normal time remaining – Of course, if any car ‘started’ its flying lap ‘before’ the timer ran out, it would be allowed to post a time at the end of the effective lap. The drivers were seen head in and out of pit lane for a set of new tyres. There was a scamper on track for positions. The pressure was on; the need for a decent launch pad for the race hung in the balance.
Stay tuned on Bettor.com for an exhilarating end to qualifying.
Continued in part 3...
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