World champion Lewis Hamilton has taken pole position for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The McLaren Mercedes driver lapped the 5.793-km circuit in a time of one minute 24.066 seconds to pip Force India’s Adrian Sutil by 0.195s. SkySports
His last-gasp effort, in a lap time of one minute and 24.066 seconds, not only secured his second pole this year and 15th of his career, but also put a damper on the expected celebrations in Delhi and Mumbai after it had looked likely that Sutil, in a Force India car, was about to finish on top.
“I am so happy with that - and delighted to be up here with Adrian,” said Hamilton of his lap and his former Formula Three team-mate, who made the most of the power and performance of his Mercedes-Benz-powered machine on a perfect, sunlit afternoon.
“Adrian deserves it because they are so fast and it is great to see them up the front,” added Hamilton.
“We had a great time together when we were team-mates and I am happy for him. Congratulations Adrian!” AFP
“It’s a great moment, a great day for me,” the German driver said. “The car is amazing, really quick, unbelievable. It’s such a different feeling in the car right now knowing that you have a chance.”
Ferrari hired Fisichella after Spa to replace Luca Badoer, who finished last in the two races since taking over for the injured Felipe Massa. The Associated Press
Formula 1: Italian Grand Prix - Race Line-Up
Behind another unusual front row, given Sutil’s performance, Kimi Raikkonen again gave Ferrari something to cheer.
He will start third, with the 2007 world champion joined on the second row by his fellow Finn, McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen.
The Brawns, clearly back in form after their recent struggles, are on the third row, with Rubens Barrichello starting fifth and Jenson Button sixth, the Brazilian outqualifying the Briton for the third successive race.
On his debut for Force India, Tonio Liuzzi gave the team another historic moment as he will start seventh, the first time they have managed to get both cars into the top 10. The Press Association
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