A genuinely good news story emerged in the world of Formula One at the Brazilian Grand Prix early this morning when Williams driver Nico Hülkenberg claimed an incredible maiden pole position. It is the first time since the 2005 European Grand Prix at the Nürburging, exactly 100 races ago, that a Williams has started from first on the grid.
While all three qualifying sessions were affected by wet weather it was the final session that gave Hülkenberg the opportunity to shine. With around four and half minutes left in Q3 the Interlagos track was finally ready for slick tyres and all 10 participating drivers came in to change. Initially, the grip provided by the slicks left the drivers on a knife edge. But with each lap the line became drier and the times began to tumble.
So much so that with just 13 seconds of qualifying remaining it was Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso who held provisional pole (1:15.989). In the end his time was only good enough to secure fifth place on the grid, as Lewis Hamilton (McLaren – 1:15.747), Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing – 1:15.637), Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing – 1:15.519) and Hülkenberg all went quicker.
Hülkenberg, though, timed his run to perfection and effectively had one more lap than the rest of the field. With only four seconds left in the final session the young German posted the quickest time. A time unable to be beaten by the two Red Bulls following close behind. And with the track conditions on the improve The Hulk improved on his provisional pole time to register his best time of 1:14.470 to lead the field by over one second.
It’s great for F1 to see the emergence of a new talent and it must be remembered that Hülkenberg is in his rookie season fighting to secure a drive in 2011. Meanwhile, the potential unpredictability of having a first-timer on pole with five men behind him still in the hunt for the World Championship means this will be one race worth getting up at 3am for!
A press release from AT&T Williams can be read after the jump, along with the full text from the official FIA post-qualifying press conference.
[Pics: Williams/LAT]
