Sport
Lewis Hamilton takes pole position at Singapore Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton ahead of Singapore Grand Prix. PHOTO/Formula One News
McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position on Saturday for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Hamilton gave McLaren its fourth consecutive pole position for the first time since 1999, and his victory chances in Sunday’s race were boosted by Williams’ Pastor Maldonado earning a surprise second place in qualifying.
“We have put ourselves in the best position, so we need to capitalize on that,” Hamilton said. “It’s an incredibly tough track for tire degradation … and everyone will struggle with that.”
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel qualified third after being the fastest in all three practice sessions. He was surprised he couldn’t manage at least a front-row spot.
“A little disappointed, especially Q3,” Vettel said. “It’s a shame it didn’t come together at the end.”
Jenson Button of McLaren qualified fourth, ahead of Fernando Alonso of Ferrari, who holds a 37-point lead over Hamilton in the championship standings with seven races to go.
Force India’s Paul di Resta equaled a career best by qualifying sixth, one place ahead of Red Bull’s Mark Webber, who could be hauled before stewards to defend interference he allegedly caused to Marussia’s Timo Glock in the first qualifying session.
