Chinese Grand Prix 2011: 3rd Qualifying session – Formula One highlights (part 3)
Interestingly, McLaren Mercedes looked to be the best bet for the final stint if one were to see it through simple probability – There were ‘two’ McLaren cars as opposed to Red Bull and Mercedes’ one. On the other hand, the team that
did have both their drivers available for the 3rd qualifying session was up against the economic concept commonly known as ‘scarcity’ – Unlimited wants; limited tyres.
However, while one could easily kid oneself into believing that simple statistics and economics could be taken as a reliable tool in predicting a Formula One result, the motorsport continues to defy such rational claims. Known for its unpredictability especially
over the past couple of years, Formula One has seen its fair share of upsets, controversies and good ol’, on the edge, bits of one-lap driving.
Ferrari were getting ready to send their drivers into battle. Fernando Alonso went out on track to begin his warm up lap – This was it for Ferrari, their one and final roll of the dice. Felipe Massa followed suit a few seconds later.
The five remaining cars including the two Ferraris and Mercedes were out on track battling for a starting place for the Chinese Grand Prix.
Alonso and Rosberg kicked off their hot laps. As the 3rd qualifying period timer ran out, Alonso went third fastest for Ferrari – but was immediately disposed of by Rosberg in his Mercedes. Felipe Massa slotted in neatly in 5th position.
However, soon after, Lewis Hamilton ended his on-track exploits to take the 3rd fastest time; just behind his teammate Button. As for Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull, the 1 minute 33.706 seconds posted in the earlier stages of Q3 sufficed to book
the holding champion the best grid box for the race on the next day.
Jaime Alguersuari finished 7th fastest followed by Paul di Resta in his Force India. Sebastien Buemi and Vitaly Petrov rounded off the top 10. The latter failed to post any lap for the final stint and thereby was classified as the last car for
Q3.
Interestingly, Vettel, Button, Alguersuari and Buemi were on prime tyres during their laps this term – Did it mean that the harder compound Pirellis were the way to go for the race as well?
Qualifying concluded with joy for Red Bull while both McLarens fared reasonably well just behind the German.
Stay tuned to bettor.com for the highlights of the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai circuit.
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