Formula One Highlights: Singapore Grand Prix, Third Qualifying Stage
The second step of the filtering process left the ten most worthy cars to fight out for a decent launch pad for the race.
The final qualifying session got underway and the McLarens were first on track. Unlike the 15 minute first and second qualifying sessions, the third qualifying session only stretches to 10 minutes. The drivers generally get enough
time to set just 2 hot laps which further narrows the margin for error.
Kubica and Kobayashi were the only cars not to head out – perhaps both drivers were opting for a single hot run to conserve their machinery.
The drivers began their hot laps. It appeared to be a power struggle as Sebastian Vettel was the quickest in the first sector, Lewis Hamilton responded by going fastest in the second sector and Fernando Alonso had the best third
sector time and ultimately secured the provisional fastest lap for Q3.
Vettel had started well after the blistering S1. However it appeared that the Red Bull driver made a costly error as he lost a yard of pace in S2.
The top four effectively featured as such: Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber and Jenson Button. Vettel, down in 7th had one more shot to make 8 qualifying Poles in 15 races; but then again, it also provided
the remaining 9 an opportunity to challenge again.
All the drivers headed for the pits barring Barrichello and Kobayashi, who were heading in to prepare for a final run.
Moments later, Robert Kubica made his way back on track. The Ferrari was out too, possibly looking to get the job done. The rest of the participants quickly followed as the track hosted all ten cars.
Things were heating up. All ten drivers focused with all their might – a perfect blend of speed and control was expected. Race engineers appeared to find their respective drivers a clear road while the rest of the team members
from pit lane – pit crew, team managers alike could merely gape at the timesheets, daring not to blink – willing on their respective drivers to pull a fast lap out of thin air and to hold their nerves. The crowd looked set to witness a barrage of times and
journalists all over the world had their pens set on the headline for qualifying – Who would start upfront?
Kubica was the first to begin his final hot lap. Mere seconds later, Sebastian Vettel was able to set the fastest time for S1 – Fernando Alonso was also able to post a personal fastest S1.
Kubica ended up 6th fastest. After setting his personal fastest, Sebastian Vettel took Red Bull to the front row of the grid – he managed 2nd. Fernando Alonso remained on provisional pole as the Ferrari fans
went bonkers in the stands – the Sea of scarlet made it hard to differentiate Asia from Monza.
The final sprint to the finish concluded in dramatic fashion. Alonso’s pole was secure; Vettel was classified second followed by the two McLaren’s in 3rd and 4th. Webber managed 5th and Barrichello
qualified 6th.
Nico Rosberg found himself in the 4th row for Mercedes, alongside Robert Kubica from Renault. Michael Schumacher could not improve on his Q2 qualifying pace as he retained his 9th spot. Kobayashi rounded off
the top ten.
The Red Bulls flexed their muscles initially and looked set to blaze through the streets of Singapore. However, the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso hit back to give a true picture of the power equation upfront. The McLarens also looked
stronger with each qualifying lap. Interestingly, the top 5 grid positions were almost in reverse order of their championship positions.
The race was expected to be as juicy as qualifying. Whether one qualifies in an even or odd position is also significant as the dirty side of the track would offer more grip than the cleaner side. Therefore, odd numbered cars had
a slight advantage. Bottom-line; get a quick start, get out of turn one unscathed and hope to run a strong race!
Tags: