Red Bull Racing has hung onto its 100% pole position record for 2011 by just .009 seconds when Vettel went quickest in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. Today’s final qualifying segment was turning out to be a bit of a non-event—three drivers chose to conserve tyres for the race and did not set a time—but the closing few minutes had enough drama to keep chins wagging for some time.
The McLarens have been sharp all weekend, consistently topping the time sheets. Lewis Hamilton was shaping as the best threat yet to break Red Bull’s qualifying dominance. In the end, though, Sebastian Vettel found something within and claimed pole with a best time of 1:30.466. Jenson Button was ever so close behind, his time was 1:30.475.
For Lewis, who held provisional pole after the first run in Q3, it was a case of tough luck. Seven drivers went out for a late run with Hamilton, Mark Webber and Michael Schumacher at the end of the tail. With seconds remaining until the chequered flag fell for Q3, Lewis slowed to find a clear gap bewteen himself and Button ahead. In doing so Mark Webber pounced and overtook Hamilton with Schumacher following Webber through.
Only Webber managed to cross the line in time to set a final fast lap. No live footage of the incident was shown, but Hamilton’s ire was clear for all to see after he stepped out of his car. He elaborates a bit more in the press conference text available below. For his part, Mark has said the incident was nobody’s fault.
Vettel only needs to finish the race tenth or better to wrap up his second world drivers’ championship.
[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]
