Saturday Report – Confidence Displayed in the McLaren Camp
The McLaren-Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, achieved the first pole position of the 2008 edition of the Formula 1 World Championship. During a qualifying session that lived up to all its promises, the Brit secured the right to start at the front for tomorrow’s race with a time of 1’26”714. It is the seventh pole of […]
The McLaren-Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, achieved the first pole position of the 2008 edition of the Formula 1 World Championship. During a qualifying session that lived up to all its promises, the Brit secured the right to start at the front for tomorrow’s race with a time of 1’26”714. It is the seventh pole of his career, one year after his very first Formula 1 race.
His teammate Heikki Kovalainen is third with a time of 1’27”079, making it his best qualifying performance.
Lewis Hamilton – 12th and 1st:
« I couldn’t dream of a better start to the season, it’s great to see Heikki and Robert by my side. During Q1 I was stuck in traffic, but everything sorted itself out when there were fewer cars in Q3. The track conditions were milder today because it wasn’t as hot as yesterday. »
I think tomorrow’s start will be interesting due to the change in regulations. Last year, there was still anti-skid. Fortunately, I’m starting from the clean side of the track but it will be a long and tough challenge.
Heikki Kovalainen – 20th and 3rd:
« I am happy to have secured this position, but there is still room for improvement. It was a pretty good run, the car’s balance was good. Last year, for my F1 debut, I didn’t have a spectacular start to the season, so today’s result is excellent now that I am a McLaren-Mercedes driver. »
The team is working tirelessly, day and night, it’s the utmost dedication. I think we can have a strong race, I can’t wait to be there.
Ron Dennis – McLaren F1 Director:
A great result for these first qualifications of the 2008 season, reflecting the hard work done by the team during the winter. Lewis and Heikki did an excellent job. Let’s hope that this result reflects our performance in the race tomorrow.
Norbert Haug – Mercedes Motorsport Director:
« A perfect start for this 2008 season. Lewis on pole position and Heikki, third. All the conditions are in place for this Australian Grand Prix to be a success, especially since both cars will be starting from the good side of the track where the grip is the best. »
« Our strategy is good and our speed is as well. Congratulations to BMW, who, with second place, is at the forefront. »
