Hamilton earns maiden Mercedes pole position

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton beat Lotus's Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso to take pole position at the China Grand Prix.

Hamilton was nearly 0.3 seconds quicker than Raikkonen as he took his first pole position for his new Mercedes team.

Team-mate Nico rosberg starts 4th ahead of Ferraris Felipe Massa.

Hamilton's performance underlined the pace Mercedes had shown throughout practise and he was an impressive 0.377secs quicker than Rosberg, who made a mistake by running wide at the final corner. Hamilton said: "It's incredible feeling, so happy to have our first pole for some time. Ecstatic, the lap was great. I really hope we can carry that into tomorrow". Niki Lauda called it the 'perfect lap'.

Some drivers missed Q3 (for me qualyfying needs modifying) so they can start on the harder tyre. Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said: "Those on the option will have to stop relatively early. It will be a fascinating race."

Qualifying result:

1. Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes - 1:34.484

2. Kimi Raikkonen - Lotus - 1:34.761

3. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - 1:34.788

4. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - 1:34.861

5. Felipe Massa - Ferrari - 1:34.933

6. Romain Grosjean - Lotus - 1:35.364

7. Daniel Ricciardo - Toro Rosso - 1:35.998

8. Jenson Button - McLaren - 2:05.673

9. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull

10. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber

Hamilton earns maiden Mercedes pole position

Posted by: TotalMercedesGP.com - Mercedes GP New (IP Logged)

Date: 13/04/2013 11:05

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Re: Hamilton earns maiden Mercedes pole position

Posted by: sessions (IP Logged)

Date: 13/04/2013 21:46

Thanks for the story HGW. I find it amazing Lewis opted for the radical switch from then a very strong McLaren team to Mercedes who struggled last season, especially during the last half of the year. Today he's again sitting on the pole and the closest McLaren is rows back. There are several articles written on why he chose to leave the one and only team he'd ever driven for. Some said money, others said it was as simple as he needed a change. and some saying "God told him."
Well, whatever the reason, it's so far is working out.
The Chinese GP checker flag will wave late tomorrow afternoon and if Lewis is standing on the top step of the podium it will look like Hollywood themselves wrote the script.
We as Mercedes fans will be shaking our heads in almost disbelief, but totally soaking up the glory.
So lets bring on the show. Best of luck Mercedes, we are all pulling for your success.

sessions

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Re: Hamilton earns maiden Mercedes pole position

Posted by: Timba7 (IP Logged)

Date: 14/04/2013 13:01

Great lap!!! Im glad Hammi has brought his aggressive style to Merc, and can take everything out of W04. Clearly he has shown his speed.

Now its down to team to give him the car.

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Re: Hamilton earns maiden Mercedes pole position

Posted by: Herman Munster (IP Logged)

Date: 15/04/2013 09:28

This shows mercedes did the right thing in shaking up the old tired driver pairing and bringing in a "Top Driver" of lewis' standing and speed. I have no doubt he will turn this into his own team and bring great success. [as far as Ferrari will alow of course]. Well done lewis!

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Re: Hamilton earns maiden Mercedes pole position

Posted by: sessions (IP Logged)

Date: 16/04/2013 00:18

Yes, Lewis is doing what Mercedes hired him on for. I expected Nico to give him a bigger challenge, but so far it's been all Mr Hamilton when race day arrives.
Nico has already placed himself in a catch-up situation. I hope we see him create a turn around for himself or it will be a very long season. No ifs ands or buts about it.

sessions

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