23-Aug-08: Massa Takes Pole for European GP
Welcome to F1 Minute for the 23rd August 2008.
It looked as though we might have had a strange couple of front rows as qualifying kicked off in Valencia today. Kubica led Free Practice 3 in the morning, adding to the list of drivers who are showing well around this new circuit. In qualifying, Vettel led two of the three sessions, and both Toro Rosso cars got into the final qualifying shoot out.
Unfortunately we lost both Honda and both Force India drivers plus Coulthard in the first session, and with the Toro Rosso’s scraping through to Q3 we also saw some big names knocked out in the second. Alonso finished the day in 12th.
However, it was business as usual for the Ferrari and McLaren boys. Hamilton posted a provisional pole, only to be knocked down by Massa. Kubica slipped into third and Raikkonen finished up fourth.
The pole position has actually been moved this morning from it’s orginal position on the left hand side of the grid to the right, after Charlie Whiting observed the practice sessions and decided that was the more favourable line to take.
That’s it for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
Steven Roy on Sun, 24th Aug 2008 01:20
I haven’t heard of a pole being moved in at least 15 years. At one time it was quite common for drivers and teams to persuade the organisers to change it and I think if you go back far enough the pole driver was allowed to choose his side when cars actually did start in rows. It seems odd that in this day and age even after holding a race meeting the FIA can’t figure out what side pole should be on.
Senna actually used the fact that FISA as it then was refused to move the pole at Suzuka as an excuse for his insane ramming of Alain Prost in 1990.
William on Sun, 24th Aug 2008 17:48
what do you think massa will be 2008 champion ?
Christine on Sun, 24th Aug 2008 18:26
I’m amazed that Charlie hadn’t decided after watching the previous races. He went there specifically to see what it was like during the F3 race. Where was the pole then?
At least it didn’t seem to cause too much consternation. Everyone got away safely, apart from Alonso.
Christine on Sun, 24th Aug 2008 18:27
It could happen. He’s certainly working hard and driving better than we’ve seen in a long time. But Hamilton is still at the top, and racking up the points due to consistency.
I feel like it’s going to be a close one.