Lando Norris he made a loud statement in the only hour of free practice and in the first two qualifying sessions, but the pole position for the sprint race of Brazilian GP his teammate took it, Oscar Piastriwho at the last attempt took the place from the British soloist 29 thousandths. Sparks are thus expected at the start of tomorrow’s short race between the two champions of one McLaren confirmed itself superior to all its rivals on the circuit Interlagos.
Ferrari and Red Bull they remained separated by at least two/three tenths, with Charles Leclerc third, Carlos Sainz fifth e Max Verstappen fourth. It is at over four tenths George Russellsixth. However, an encouraging result for the Reds, who always improve their performances during the race.
«It’s the best we could do today with thetrim that we had with this qualification format. We’ll try to do a better job tomorrow for real qualifying, but it’s also a good position for the sprint race – commented the Ferrari team principal, Frederic Vasseur -. We have won the last two races starting from the second row, I don’t know if it’s a good position, but at least the pace is there and we have two cars in top-5 – added the Frenchman -. They have resurfaced the circuit but there are many bumps. McLaren did a better job and found a trim which guarantees greater driveability – explained Vasseur -. Let’s wait for the forecast weather forecast for tomorrow and we have to keep in mind that Sunday’s race is more important in terms of points, so the tire choice will be consequent. It will be one long fight until the end, we will have positive races and others that will probably be more difficult, in the meantime starting from the second row will be a good opportunity.”
Oscar Piastri’s satisfaction
Very satisfied Plates after the pole position: «It was a difficult session. I felt quite comfortable at first and thenadhesion has increased a lot, but with this year’s track it’s hard to see where you’re going, let alone try to make a fast lap. It’s challenging out there, but I’m happy with it poleI will naturally try to win”, said the Australian hotly, who could become a problem for Norris in his chase for the leader of the standings Verstappen.
Dutch has 47 points ahead on him with four race weekends left but, due to a change of endothermic engine of his Red Bull, will suffer a demotion of five positions on the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. «When you are a little behind on the flying lap I don’t expect us to be particularly stronger in the race – said the world champion -. I hope that the weather factor can shuffle the cards, maybe not in the sprint. We’ll see, also because there will be a lot of work to do due to the penalty.”
Surprises on the starting grid
Behind the best six on the grid there was no shortage of surprises, because among Q1 And Q2 they left the scene Fernando Alonso with theAston Martin, Sergio Perez on the Red Bull and also Lewis Hamilton on Mercedes. So they slipped into the VIP area Pierre Gasly (Alpine) e Liam Lawson (Rb), in the fourth row, e Alexander Albon (Williams) e Oliver Bearman (Haas), in fifth.
Excellent performance from the young Briton (even third in the free practice), on the track with the Ferrari-powered single-seater due to an indisposition of the Dane Kevin Magnussen.