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F1: Sebastian Vettel tears off the pole position in Hungary

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Khatir Soltani
Adapted from GMM

In the last lap, the reigning world champion clinches a new pole position ahead of the two McLaren.

Each team can break the mechanics' late-night paddock curfew four times before a penalty applies, and Red Bull used one of theirs overnight to apply major setup changes to the RB7 after a difficult Friday in Budapest.

It seemed to work perfectly on Saturday as championship leader Vettel returned to pole, although teammate Mark Webber was just sixth.

"No way I could do that (Vettel's) lap time. Strange one," the Australian told the BBC.

Nurburgring winner Lewis Hamilton was also wondering how his McLaren had dropped behind the pace of the leading Red Bull.

"Today they (Red Bull) seemed to pick up a little pace, but for me and Jenson (Button) to be in the first two rows is a good job," said the Briton.

German Vettel meanwhile hailed the long night endured by his mechanics.

"It seems we have done the right thing and I am a lot more comfortable (now). The boys worked pretty hard and didn't get much sleep but a result like this today is the best way to say thanks," Sebastian Vettel said.


Hungarian Grand prix - Qualifying results*
Hungaroring - Saturday, July 30, 2011


1st row
Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB7-Renault) - 1'19"815 - Q3
Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/26-Mercedes) - 1'19"978 - Q3

2nd row
Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/26-Mercedes) - 1'20"024 - Q3
Felipe Massa (Ferrari 150) - 1'20"350 - Q3

3rd row
Fernando Alonso (Ferrari 150) - 1'20"385 - Q3
Mark Webber (Red Bull RB7-Renault) - 1'20"474 - Q3

4th row
Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W02) - 1'21"098 - Q3
Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM04-Mercedes) - 1'21"445 - Q3

5th row
Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W02) - 1'21"907 - Q3
Sergio Perez (Sauber C30-Ferrari) - no time - Q3

6th row
Paul di Resta (Force India VJM04-Mercedes) - 1'22"256 - Q2
Vitaly Petrov (Lotus Renault R31) - 1'22"284 - Q2

7th row
Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C30-Ferrari) - 1'22"435 - Q2
Nick Heidfeld (Lotus Renault R31) - 1'22"470 - Q2

8th row
Rubens Barrichello (Williams FW33-Cosworth) - 1'22"884 - Q2
Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso STR6-Ferrari) - 1'22"979 - Q2

9th row
Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW33-Cosworth) - no time - Q2
Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus T128-Renault) - 1'24"382 - Q1

10th row
Jarno Trulli (Lotus T128-Renault) - 1'24"534 - Q1
Timo Glock (Marussia Virgin MVR02-Cosworth) - 1'26"294 - Q1

11th row
Vitantonio Liuzzi (Hispania F111-Cosworth) - 1'26"323 - Q1
Daniel Ricciardo (Hispania F111-Cosworth) - 1'26"479 - Q1

12th row
Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso STR6-Ferrari) - 1'24"070** - Q1
Jerome d'Ambrosio (Marussia Virgin MVR02-Cosworth) - 1'26"510 - Q1


* Unofficial results
** 5 grid position penalty

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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