Istanbul Park and Felipe Massa must possess a special bond. The Brazilian has been on pole in 2006 and 2007 subsequently winning both events. This afternoon’s qualifying was no different, and he looked in a different league to the rest of the drivers as he powered his Ferrari into pole.
Although he looked very strong, Raikkonen looked like he was struggling in places but with low fuel in Q2 he was very fast to the rest of the field. Being down in 4th, I believe him to be running longer stints than Felipe.
McLaren showed better pace, and are lining up 2nd and 3rd. Hamilton decided to use only the hard compound Bridgestones in the final session, shunning the option compound tyre.
Robert Kubica was hooked up in the BMW Sauber and got 5th, his team mate lagging down in 9th.
Webber, Alonso and Trulli making up the slots between them.
David Coulthard got through to Q3, but will start 10th after deciding not to waste tyres on doing laps in that final session.
Rubens Barrichello will start 12th tomorrow, the day on which he becomes the most experienced F1 driver of all time, with his 257th start. Button is just behind in 13th. Both drivers admitted that the car was pushed as far as it could go, and now they “Need another step to move forward”.
Glock was down i 15th, after a poor lap where he appeared to have gone off, uncovered by the FIA coverage. Surprising as he had been in 4th place in Session 1.
Nelson Piquet was knocked out in session 1, a disappointing surprise for the Brazilian.
With Super Aguri gone it was left to Force India to prop up the table.
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