Good Evening Mr Mansell: Vettel takes his 14 pole

Vettel Breaks Yet More Records

Sebastian Vettel sprung a surprise on McLaren and beat Lewis Hamilton to pole, by a tenth of a second in Abu Dhabi.

Vettel now equalises Nigel Mansell’s 19 year record, with his 14 pole position of the year. The German didn’t look like he had the speed, during the weekend, to topple the McLarens, but a flying final lap proved enough. Red Bull got their tactics right and, as ever, ensured Vettel was the last man to cross the line.

Hamilton starts just ahead of his teammate, Jenson Button, who was ahead of him until the final sector. Button put in good times in the first two sectors, but Hamilton pulled it out of the bag on the final sector. The McLarens looked fastest throughout the weekend, but they weren’t enough to match the new world champions.

Mark Webber found himself two tenths down on Button and will start next to the Brit, on the grid. The Ferraris found themselves in status quo, with Fernando Alonso taking half a second out of Felipe Massa. The Brazilian found himself in trouble with the curbs, yet again, and launched himself off the track at one stage. Mercedes left it until the last moment, to put in a lap, and Nico Rosberg piped Michael Schumacher, in to seventh. The Force Indias chose not to run, deciding to save their remaining tyres.

Williams suffered their worst qualifying session, in 30 years, with both cars sitting on the back of the grid. Pastor Maldonado starts last, after a ten place grid-drop; Maldonado received the penalty for using an extra engine. Rubens Barrichello wasn’t even able to get out on track, with an oil leak stopping his car from leaving the garage. While his future in Formula One is under speculation, this is not a good result for the Brazilian. Many believe this could be his last year in F1, after 19 seasons behind the wheel.

It is going to be tricky for passing, during the race, so the first corner will be crucial for all drivers. McLaren have enjoyed great starts all season, while Red Bull have not, so expect to see the British pair giving Vettel a run for his money, on the run down to the first corner.

Posted by Sadhbh O'Shea - Follow her on twitter @SadhbhOS.

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