Motor Racing: Sensational Hamilton Powers to Pole Position
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
Lewis Hamilton may have felt hard made by in Monaco fourteen days ago, but yesterday he gained important psychological ground by claiming pole for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s first pole position looked doubtful prior to the closing seconds of qualifying. Fernando Alonso, the winner in Monte Carlo, had been quicker than Hamilton before the Spaniard ran wide at the hairpin at the very top end of the circuit. Alonso then settled for second put on the grid to give McLaren top row, before BMW of Nick Heidfeld and also the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa.
‘It’s a wonderful feeling,’ said Hamilton. ‘Pole the first time on a circuit I am not sure makes me feel fantastic. Again, we now have the pace and yes it came down to this along with the very last minute. It’s not easy, particularly when you’ve got a two-time world champion hunting you down. But I did it.
‘It took some time to understand the track since it is quite demanding mentally and physically. On Friday night, I was thinking about how I really could improve. During that final lap, the automobile was sweet and also the tyres were perfect. Each sector with the lap was consistent. I did not make a mistake and also got enough time. I knew the lap was perfect and didn’t wish to screw it up inside the final corner – but I underwent it faster than I’ve ever done before. Liberating.’
Alonso could only rue the slight error about what, for now, would definitely be the fastest lap. ‘I got slightly off line on the hairpin,’ he was quoted saying. ‘I acquired some dirt for the tyres, lost grip and lost three-tenths of a second. I knew there is pointless in risking anything with the final corner and I just did enough to help keep around the front row. We’ve been developing the vehicle and yes it seems we could save this momentum. The car has improved from the first couple of or three races and now we can fight on any circuit.’
Hamilton’s broad grin suggested that his first pole position gives him the 1st possibility to lead from the start and beat Alonso.
‘Pole position is an additional step up my steep learning curve,’ said Hamilton. ‘But I understand the race will likely be tough. I haven’t been lucky enough to begin with pole before, but we’ve the process to win. I know I have to stay consistent, make a good start and stay in front. I’m really looking towards it. I feel fantastic.’
Heidfeld and BMW were surprised to get third fastest following the German driver had experienced issues with his car during free practice each day. BMW’s achievement exacerbated Ferrari’s disappointment at to not get on to the front row after the drubbing received from McLaren in Monaco.
Michael Schumacher may be evident in the Ferrari garage for the third race in succession, fueling wild rumors how the former champion is considering a comeback eight months after driving his last race. Schumacher was anticipated to attend exactly the occasional race, nevertheless it seems that boredom probably have from early. No matter what, his presence within an advisory role could be unsettling for Raikkonen, who is apparently the less secure of the present drivers and desperately has to win right now to maintain his championship momentum.


