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Vettel edges Hamilton for Belgium pole
Source: Agencies |
August 28, 2011, Sunday
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FORMULA One world champion Sebastian Vettel charged to pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix yesterday after denying McLaren's Lewis Hamilton the top slot in the final seconds of qualifying.
In a wet and eventful session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the 24-year-old German secured Red Bull's 13th pole in a row and his ninth of the season.
Vettel's Australian teammate Mark Webber, celebrating his 35th birthday with a new one-year contract, will line up third and alongside Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa.
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who made his debut at the circuit 20 years ago, had a nightmare afternoon and failed to set a time in the first phase after skidding his Mercedes into the wall.
Hamilton, winner at Spa last year, found himself in the middle of another controversy after clashing with Williams' Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado in the second phase of qualifying. The Briton forced his way past Maldonado as the seconds ran out and then, after completing the final lap, appeared to be cut up by the Venezuelan with the McLaren damaged by the contact.
"It was done deliberately," Hamilton said over the team radio of the rookie's actions. McLaren fitted a new front wing and patched up the car for the final phase.
There was no immediate comment from race stewards but Hamilton said he was expecting the call, with both drivers facing possible sanctions.
The two men had also clashed at Monaco earlier in the year, with Hamilton tipping Maldonado into the tire barriers when the latter was heading for his first points finish.
Schumacher's hopes of a first podium since his comeback last season suffered a major setback with the 42-year-old facing a back-row start.
The German skidded on a wet patch before he could set a timed lap, crashing into the wall as a rear wheel came off the Mercedes.
Brazilian Bruno Senna made an impressive start to his first race weekend with Renault, qualifying seventh and ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in eighth place.
In a wet and eventful session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the 24-year-old German secured Red Bull's 13th pole in a row and his ninth of the season.
Vettel's Australian teammate Mark Webber, celebrating his 35th birthday with a new one-year contract, will line up third and alongside Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa.
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who made his debut at the circuit 20 years ago, had a nightmare afternoon and failed to set a time in the first phase after skidding his Mercedes into the wall.
Hamilton, winner at Spa last year, found himself in the middle of another controversy after clashing with Williams' Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado in the second phase of qualifying. The Briton forced his way past Maldonado as the seconds ran out and then, after completing the final lap, appeared to be cut up by the Venezuelan with the McLaren damaged by the contact.
"It was done deliberately," Hamilton said over the team radio of the rookie's actions. McLaren fitted a new front wing and patched up the car for the final phase.
There was no immediate comment from race stewards but Hamilton said he was expecting the call, with both drivers facing possible sanctions.
The two men had also clashed at Monaco earlier in the year, with Hamilton tipping Maldonado into the tire barriers when the latter was heading for his first points finish.
Schumacher's hopes of a first podium since his comeback last season suffered a major setback with the 42-year-old facing a back-row start.
The German skidded on a wet patch before he could set a timed lap, crashing into the wall as a rear wheel came off the Mercedes.
Brazilian Bruno Senna made an impressive start to his first race weekend with Renault, qualifying seventh and ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in eighth place.
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