Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has always thrived racing on home soil, it was no different in qualifying for the 2017 edition of the British Grand Prix as he powered pole position by a half a second margin over next best Kimi Raikkonen in the Ferrari.
Hamilton will start Sunday’s race from the top spot on the grid thanks to a sensational best lap time of 1:26.600 in changing, but improving conditions during a tense qualifying session at Silverstone.
Hamilton, acknowledging the cheers from the home fans, said afterwards, “I feel amazing in front of a great crowd like this. I hope you liked the lap. Always save best till last. I had to make sure I got that lap in. I couldn’t do it last weekend so I made sure I could here.”
“I generally like it to be dry but I like it when the conditions are tricky, The team did a fantastic job and when it dried out, the tyres were incredible and those fast corners. It’s the best position to start from. The long runs were looking great,” he added.
After playing second fiddle to Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel during practice, the veteran Finn delivered when it mattered to claim a front row start, although the gap to Hamilton was 0.547 of a second.
Championship points leader Vettel would have to be disappointed with third place in qualy, as well as the gap to Hamilton but at the same time have a glimmer of hope for the race as there are two Ferrari drivers in the top three and their race pace is pretty handy.
Valtteri Bottas looked up to giving Hamilton a good run for his money, but on his final run in Q3 a big lock up early on compromised his lap. he was fourth fastest but a gearbox penalty means he will start dfrom ninth on the grid.
Report in progress…
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
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