It was an interesting qualifying with the mixed weather conditions and of course the off-throttle blown diffuser ban. In addition, we saw many teams bringing new parts to compensate for the downforce they were going to lose once the ban was implemented.
The best driver of the day was clearly Fernando Alonso. He showed everyone why many ex-drivers, commentators and pundit regard him as "the most complete driver on the grid". He put in a mighty lap to go just 1 tenth slower than Red Bull. As we know, Silverstone is a track that plays to the strengths of Red Bull. It is similar to Barcelona - where Red Bull were almost a second faster than the opposition. This time, Alonso gave Red Bull something to think about. Great job Alonso!
Mark Webber did a good lap to beat Vettel and end his run of pole positions. Interesting that without the off-throttle exhaust blowing, it is Mark Webber that it making his teammate look very average.
Meanwhile McLaren struggled with what was the third fastest car, over a second behind Ferrari and Red Bull. With such a slow car, the best they could have achieved in qualifying with 5th and 6th. Jenson Button MBE overcame the difficult conditions and went 5th, while Hamilton was 10th, slower than Force India, Sauber, Williams and Mercedes (all of whom had slower cars than McLaren).
This is further signs of Lewis letting the team down. When the BBC showed his best lap, it was full of mistakes, oversteering moments and a lock up. Qualifying in 10th is a hindrance to McLaren and his future at McLaren will no doubt come in question, especially for a driver who's strength lies in qualifying.
What are your thoughts about qualifying?
Qualifying Analysis
posted on 9/7/11
You clearly have no knowledge of Formula One, tell ya what, why dont you TO$$ OFF and throw yourself in front of an F1 car? do what the Canadian steward could not. You utter B3LL 3ND!
posted on 9/7/11
Well Greg that comment is completely unwarranted. The OP has written, by usual forum standards, a decent article that isn't wumming whatsoever.
Rant over. I'd like to say that I completely agree with you. Ferrari, in general, I think have really pushed on since their mediocre start. McLaren on the other hand, have completely lost the plot-especially Hamilton. I think Ferrari are ever slowly creeping ahead of Mclaren. I noticed the trend back in Canada. Yes I know button went on to win the race but it seemed that it would be ferrari that would be challenging the red bulls- and they were for the first part of the race. That momentum carried on through to Valencia and now silverstone. Being only 1 tenth of pole is a mighty achievement from fernando and although i think its a lost cause at least he's making what would otherwise be a red bull procession a bit more interesting.
posted on 10/7/11
Your article was titled 'Qualifying Analysis' but only looked at only looked at 5 drivers (Webber, Vettel, Alonso, Hamilton and Button) and 3 teams (Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren) in any detail.
Passing mention of Force India, Sauber, Williams and Mercedes - if only to prove a point about Hamilton, rather than any insight or perspective of how well Di Resta, Maldonado and Koboyashi did. Nor did it look at other drivers struggling, ie Schumacher and the Renaults.
Kovaleinen's qualification - ignored. No analysis of HRT's debutant either. If you had included these aspects this would have been a more comprehensive and interesting read.