Turkish Grand Prix 2011: 1st Qualifying session – Formula One highlights (Part 2)
Welcome back to the action as the track slowly begins to fill up.
A determined Kamui Kobayashi was followed by Vitantonio Liuzzi and Jerome d’ Ambrosio in the Hispania Racing Team F1 and Virgin Racing respectively. While the latter two were getting their tyres warmed up, the Sauber started its flying lap. However, moments
later, in an anticlimax, Kobayashi slowed near the turning towards pit lane and was being pushed across as a result. Liuzzi effectively posted the first competitive lap time of the session and went to the top of the board as a result.
Paul di Resta in the Force India began his exploits on track and comfortably overtook the HRT F1 as he crossed the start finish line and effectively became the car to beat – D’ Ambrosio slotted in 2nd.
In the 6th of the 20 minute qualifying session, Adrian Sutil in the second Force India started on his first hot lap of the period. Moments later, the German driver took the 2nd fastest time; behind his teammate.
A minute later, roar from the crowd suggested the arrival of the World Champion as Sebastian Vettel in the first of the Red Bulls began his fast lap – The German driver unsurprisingly, took top position. Another former champion entered the picture as Michael
Schumacher was sent out by Mercedes – Were we in for some Schumi magic?
Meanwhile, Sebastien Buemi completed his first competitive lap and took 2nd position behind Vettel while Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso posted the 3rd quickest time. It was time for the McLarens to take a bite at the Istanbul cherry as Lewis
Hamilton was readied for his first bit of exposure in qualifying. The Briton headed on to track and began his warm-up lap but it appeared that the suspension of his car wasn’t properly set up to ride the bumps in turn 1 and 2.
The cameras turned their attention towards pit lane as Kobayashi was shown out of his car as the Sauber mechanics braced themselves for a potential engine change – Disappointment for the Japanese driver as he was quite competitive in the practice sessions.
We were halfway into the first qualifying session and we had already witnessed an upset in the form of Kobayashi unable to go past the first hurdle of qualifying – Were we in for some more drama?
To be continued in part 3...
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