Q1 saw the top teams clocking in more laps than usual, as the pace of the track was constantly evolving and tyre management an issue the drivers have faced throughout the weekend. The big shock exit was the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen. A mixture of traffic and a mistake from the Iceman led to him starting 18th on the grid in his first Grand Prix back, after his two year absence.
HRT not only qualified out of the 107% rule, they were causing havoc for other drivers out on track, and were the main talking point, as they held several drivers up during Q1. Due to the team not qualifying within the 107% rule, the FIA have not allowed them to race tomorrow.
A dismal Q2 for Ferrari with Fernando Alonso beaching his car, and with only setting one time, it wasn't good enough to keep him in the top 10. Massa didn't do much better and starts 16th tomorrow. Ferrari's weekend has gone from bad to worse. They are way off the pace from where they'd like to be. Can they turn it around tomorrow? Or is this a long term problem for the prancing horse?
McLaren were in a league of their own in Q3. Lewis Hamilton on his flying lap, set the pace for the field, but no one could match him. Hamilton didn't have the best of seasons last year, but it's fair to say he's back.
Mercedes have shown signs of promise all weekend, but couldn't seem to make it count when needed in Q3, and could only manage 4th and 7th.
Great performances by Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo as he starts 10th at his first home Grand Prix and Pastor Maldonado in the William's see's him 8th, after a dreadful 2011 for the team.
Sebastian Vettel's one lap pole, couldn't stand to the pace of the McLaren's and he starts 6th on the grid, with his team mate Mark Webber, next to him in 5th.
Surprise of the session was Roman Grosjean in the Lotus qualifying up in 3rd with the McLaren's of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton just ahead of him.
Below are full times from qualifying.
Tomorrow is going to be an interesting race. Seeing who can manage their tyres to their advantage. Kimi Raikkonen will be making his way through the pack, along with both Ferrari's, with Red Bull aiming for a podium finish.
Make sure you set those alarms. 6am start. It's going to be a corker of a race!
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