The Sunday News
Lewis Hamilton took his third pole position in four races this season with a stunning performance in qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Hamilton was more than half a second clear of Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo in treacherous wet conditions.
Sebastian Vettel was third as Nico Rosberg took fourth after spinning his Mercedes in a vain attempt to close the 1.2-second margin to his team-mate.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso took fifth from the Williams of Felipe Massa.
Hamilton was in irresistible form throughout qualifying, fastest in all three parts, and each time by about the same margin.
Definitely the most satisfaction is getting this result when it is raining, said Hamilton. It was so slippery out there, trying to find the grip and not make mistakes.
It was a tough session, but the car was feeling great. There are some things that can be improved on but it has put us in a good position for the race.
Vettel was the quickest Red Bull in the first two knock-out sections, but Ricciardo beat the four-time champion when it counted and by an impressive 0.505secs.
I think we are in the best position we have been all season to give Mercedes a hard time tomorrow, because we managed to split them up, said Vettel.
Rosberg, who seemed unsettled by Hamilton’s pace, ran off the track early in the final session and then spun after getting too wide at the final corner on his last lap.
As it happened, the spin may have prevented Alonso from knocking the German down to fifth. — BBC Sport
