Lewis Hamilton took pole position in qualifying for the 2016 Canadian Grand Prix after a storming lap during his first runs in Q3 bagged him first place.
It was extremely close between the Brit and his Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team-mate Nico Rosberg, but the current world champion had the edge.
“That’s not necessarily the way you want it to turn out, getting pole without a real battle on the final lap – but you take it whatever way it comes! I think there was more time to be found out there but I’m happy to have done enough on that first run.
“This always tends to be a good track for me. It’s all about braking and since I was a kid I’ve always been last of the late brakers, so I guess that’s why it’s always suited my style and why I’m strong in sector one in particular. It’s such a great track to drive – like a Formula One kart track, with the high speeds and the way you’re jumping over the kerbs.
“It’s always special coming back here as it’s where I won my first Grand Prix – plus the fans are incredible. Every year, without fail, they turn up in their thousands and create a great atmosphere at the track and in the city itself.”
With just three tenths of a second splitting the top four drivers, it looks like we should be in for a close race, but Hamilton is confident, despite not feeling as happy with the W07 today, that the team can get the right set-up and be strong on Sunday.
“In terms of the race, it’s going to be tight. I need to study hard tonight to get myself back to where I was yesterday, as I didn’t actually feel quite as strong in the car today. I was killing it out there yesterday – but I lost a bit of feel with the set-up changes I made for today.
“I wasn’t always able to put the car exactly where I wanted, which means you have to step back and not quite push to the limit. Ferrari look strong on the long runs so we’ll need to be on our toes.”
The Brit will be looking to secure his second win of the season tomorrow, and close the gap further to team-mate Rosberg in the driver’s world championship.
