Turkish Grand Prix 2011: 2nd Qualifying session – Formula One highlights (Part 1)
Welcome back to the highlights of the qualifying sessions from the Turkish Grand Prix. After an exciting Q1 that saw Felipe Massa claim top spot, the competition became further intense. A total of 17 cars remained, with room for just 10 at the end of the 15 minute second qualifying session – Who would make it?
Michael Schumacher has suffered from what many would call the ‘curse of the second hurdle’. The seven time world champion, who is no stranger to success and life at the top of the Formula One food chain, has been unable to clear the second qualifying stint this season – 4th time lucky, perhaps?
The German was first to head out on track; clearly with a point to prove. Moments later, the Mercedes GP started off its first flying lap. Interestingly, seeing as this was just his first lap of the session, Schumi was seen to be making a lot of use of his Drag Reduction System in hopes to get some extra straight-line speed.
Moments later, Mark Webber headed out on track in his Red Bull. The Australian was soon followed by Jenson Button in the McLaren Mercedes – evidently the top runners weren’t taking the qualifying session lightly and wanted to make absolutely sure that they were amongst the top 10 at the end.
Schumacher posted the first time of the session while Webber started his flying lap. The Mercedes was comfortably in the 1 minute 27 second range – Close to his best in round 1 of Qualifying.
Elsewhere on track, Vitaly Petrov was going flat out in his Renault. The Russian slotted in behind Schumacher in 2nd place. Soon after, Mark Webber crossed the line and went top of the charts – A whole second faster than the Mercedes.
Webber’s teammate, Sebastian Vettel made his way on track a minute later and after a quick start followed by excellent cornering, shot his way to P1. Lewis Hamilton was right behind the young German and set the second fastest time. Nico Rosberg set the 5th fastest time a moment later.
Six minutes into the second qualifying session, the order was: Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher.
With Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes GP fighting for the top 6, it was going to be interesting where Ferrari would slot in.
Continued in part 2...
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