We are back at the Lenovo Grand Prix De France 2022, Circuit Paul Ricard, in the South of France for Qualifications Q1, Q2, Q3, pole position and placement on the grid for “Race Day Sunday.”
I hope everyone had their breakfast this morning, if not, we could literally fry a few eggs served with a cold refreshing organic drink! It’s that sizzling on the track.
(Note, because of the heat, the tyres could be worn down, with no grip by the time Q3 comes around and the top ten drivers are fighting for pole position.)
The second half of the day is the most adrenaline-charged in sense of pure racing speed at its best.
Qualifying for pole position is as follows; Qualifying will take part in three sections.
Q1 top 15 of 20 racing cars with the quickest time advance into Q2.
Followed by the top 10 out of fifteen racing cars remaining advancing to Q3 where pole position will be decided by the top ten fastest times.
The qualifying “time” session, will be into three mini sessions, 18 minutes long, followed by a seven-minute break. Q2 is 15 minutes long, followed by an eight-minute break and Q3 for pole position is 12 minutes long.
Qualifying Brief (Q1, Q2 & Q3)
We have a green light… and they are off onto the track, going for a few laps to warm the rubber on the tyres for the best grip possible before the DRS zones open up.
Off and away they go… There flying out there.. Some laps are being removed for track limit…
The last few laps… the pace is more rapid, times are dropping fast, as we see the first 5 drivers eliminated in Q1. Gasly, Zhou, Stroll, Latifi, and Schumacher.
The break is over, the racing carriages are back onto the track for Q2 and we have a green light.
They are off…it is getting bumpy out there as the speeds pick up!
Drivers going wide and running over the apex “Krebs” around bends 11 and 12.
23 seconds left and we have the next five eliminated in Q2. Ocon, Albon, Ricciardo, Bottas, and Vettel.
(Note: Both French drivers are out for Q3.)
Onto Q3, we have a green light, and the “shootout” begins.
Look out for the degradation of tyres!
It is go-time, full speed ahead for the fastest time and pole position!
Less than 5 mins in Q3 and CHARLES LECLERC sets the fastest sector and is on top of the timesheet.
21 seconds to go… last flying lap coming in… it’s going to be close… and we have it… LECLERC TAKES POLE! 1:30.872
Followed by two Red Bulls. In 2nd position is Verstappen, +0.304 and in 3rd is Perez, +0.304.
Rounding out the Top 5 is Hamilton in 4th +0.893 and in 5th is Norris.
(Note: Red bulls have the fastest straight-line speed and Ferrari, has the fastest speed in the corners.)
Quote
“What is CHICO doing on the line” Teammate, Red Bull Racing., Max Verstappen
“I had the help of Carlos, and that was amazing teamwork, without him, it would have been incredibly close. I hope he can join us back in the fight tomorrow.” Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Commentary
The drivers will need to look out for turns 11 and 12, especially turn 11, as they go full pace mode. The under and over steering could be problematic and the apex on the Krebs are nasty. They will cause some damage under the racing performance carriage.
It’s going to be fascinating to see what happens.
Upcoming
Up next for the Lenovo Grand Prix De France is Race Day Sunday being held tomorrow July 24th 2022. – Starting time is at 9:00 a.m., coverage starts at 7:45 a.m.
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