Formula 1: Italian Grand Prix
Qualifying & Starting Grid
Race - TODAY 2pm (UCT +2)
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Record 69 Poles for Hamilton!
Lewis Hamilton made sure that he is on pole after a long delay for the 2017 Italian Grand Prix Qualifying.
Last weekend the Brit equalled the German, Michael Schumacher and showed everyone that he can crunch another record. He officially has more pole than every other driver before him.
Now he is setting the new trend.
“My, 69,” he said. “To do this at such a historic circuit, in Ferrari’s homeland – I can’t believe it. I am going to have some pasta to celebrate.” ~ Lewis Hamilton
Youngling Max Verstappen drove superb, taking the second spot, with team mate Daniel Ricciardo in third.
Due to grid penalties for replacement parts, will both Red Bull Racing drivers move down the grid. Verstappen takes a 20 place penalty and Ricciardo 25.
Other driver penalties includes Nico Hulkenburg (10), Carlos Sainz (10), Jolyon Palmer (15) and Fernando Alonso (35).
Romain Grosjean Spins!
Yes, I know, a F1 car spinning isn't new.
When it happens on a straight, 4 minutes into the Quaifying, then it's interesting.
During Qualifying was the rain so hectic, with standing water everywhere, that Romain Grosjean lost control of his car while driving down the main straight and aquaplaned into the barrier.
This caused the safety car to come out and delayed the rest of the qualifying for over 2.5 hours.
Disappointing Ferrari
Sebastian Vettel had admitted that he is at a loss for the poor performance the Ferrari showed during qualifying.
Once known to be the masters of the rain, now all they could secure was 7th and 8th, with Kimi ahead of Vettel.
Thanks to the penalties enforced on to both Red Bull Racing cars, could they climb a row and start from 5th and 6th respectively.
Vettel said that he thinks his car is set up to suit dry conditions rather than wet and they should perform well in the race.
Kimi complained about grip problems, which might be the main reason for the Ferrari's to be off the pace. A dry race will sort this out.
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Lance Stroll - Youngest Front Row Starter
Yes, you read it right. Williams had a phenomenal qualifying and after all the penalties, did Stroll end up on the front row next to Hamilton.
A very odd thing to see in deed, but it's nice to have a change of pace. Force India's Esteban Ocon will start in 3rd position, ahead of Mercedes Valtteri Bottas.
The young Belgian-Canadian set the record for being the youngest driver in Formula 1 to start on the front row.
A dry race is expected and with two inexperienced front starters, should this give Hamilton the boost he was looking for to pull ahead early.
Qualifying Results
Starting Grid
The dust has settled, all penalties applied and everyone is ready to race.
The only drivers who remain in their original positions after the qualifying is Pole Position Lewis Hamilton and the last place, Romain Grosjean.
The rest shuffled a lot with the Sauber team being the biggest position gainers.
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