Now we wait to see their fuel weights. Can't draw too many conclusions before we know them. This circuit's layout looks likely to give everyones' brakes a workout. We'll see if they all stand up to it, I guess.
I doubt Hami's super light. In Q1 he was over a second quiker than everyone else and in Q2 he was 3/10's and he still had more to spare, so 5-6/10 seems to be about right.
Lewis: In hindsight Lewis Hamilton says McLaren probably should have put more fuel in his car after grabbing what looked to be an easy pole position for Sunday's Abu Dhabi GP. The former World Champion dominated Saturday's twilight qualifying, setting the pace in the opening two sessions before trouncing the opposition in the pole position shoot-out. Such was Hamilton's pace that he beat second-placed Sebastian Vettel by 0.667s to grab his third qualifying P1 of the season. However, in hindsight, Hamilton reckons perhaps McLaren should have gone for a heavier fuel load. Heikki: Heikki Kovalainen has been hit with a five-grid slot gearbox penalty after running into problems during Saturday's Abu Dhabi qualifying. The McLaren driver, who is fighting to retain his race-seat for next year's Championship or secure a deal with a new team, impressed during the weekend's practice sessions. However, a gearbox problem in Q2 meant he was only able to complete one flying lap before his MP4-24 came to a halt on the side of the track. As such he qualified P13 for the season-ending grand prix but will now drop five places. "What a disappointing outcome to my qualifying," said Kovalainen. "I got stuck in second gear during Q2 and that was it. I already had minor problems with the gearbox yesterday when it jumped out of gear, so it's frustrating when you have a car you can easily take into Q3. "But I'm looking at the positives: the balance of my car has been good throughout the entire weekend, and it's been great to drive on this fantastic circuit. "You can absolutely guarantee I'll be giving it my all in the race tomorrow and I'll be fighting from the first lap to the very last."
HK got unlucky with the gearbox, IMO the Mclaren car on this track is unbeatable with KERS. It's Ham's to lose like I predicted...when he is in the zone ...untouchable. There I have jinxed him now.
WHat a beautiful track....but, it's too wide, and wayy too many slowly twisty corners at the mid section. Typical Tilke style.
So very true! I find this circuit interesting but far from beautiful. Sterile is a good description. Carol
I meant the surroundings, etc. The track is pretty boring, but lets wait for the action later. Bear in mind this was a useless island just 2 years ago.
