Lewis Hamilton took his tenth pole position in eleven races and clinched the Pole Position Trophy for 2015 after dominating the qualifying session in Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday.
The Mercedes AMG PETRONAS driver was fastest throughout the session in Belgium, and praised the team for giving him the machinery to perform as strongly as he did.
“I’m really happy with the performance of the team and the car this weekend,” reflected Hamilton. “It felt good right from the start and I’m so grateful for the big push the team has made in continuing to improve the car.
“It can be tough to find the ideal set-up and then get a good rhythm at this track – but I’ve felt comfortable throughout. Saying that, Nico [Rosberg] has been quick all the way through and it’s generally been very close between us. Fortunately for me I pulled my two best laps out at the end.”
Despite taking the pole position, his forty-eighth of his career, Hamilton knows the race on Sunday is a different proposition, and understands he could be challenged, especially on the run down the Kemmel Straight on the opening lap.
“Of course, it’s great to have pole, but I’m well aware that it’s only one step,” said Hamilton. “There’s a long run down to turn five so anything can happen there and especially at the start.
“The team has done a lot of analysis on that front and we’ve been working on it in the simulator and here at the track. I feel we’re as ready as we can be so we’ll see how it goes.
“For now, though, I’m happy with today and looking forward to tomorrow’s race.”
