Even though Red Bull Racing was asked asked to remove the holes in the floor, and then in the axle, all of which were bordering on the fine line between legal and not, Vettel managed to charge past Hamilton to claim pole position in the 2012 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix qualifying.
“We were clear about the car today and able to improve step by step in qualifying. I’m very happy with the result and the laps at the end of qualifying, as we were able to improve each time. It puts us in a great place, but nevertheless tomorrow is more important. We put ourselves in a good position, eight metres ahead of Lewis and then we go from there. It’s supposed to be hotter tomorrow, so it’s important to get a good start and see what we can do. A lot of things can happen.” Vettel said.
Lewis Hamilton, drove his heart out, but had to be content with beating Alonso to the front row.
“I well remember where we were in Australia and if today we are in the fight for pole, it signifies that we have done a good job over the past few months, especially as the others have not exactly been twiddling their thumbs. I am also pleased for Felipe, who is confirming the progress we already saw in recent races: at the start of the championship he was definitely unlucky, but we have always stayed united and now the results are coming, as indeed they should for a driver of his talent.” said Alonso.
Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg were fourth and fifth fastest, while Grosjean, Paul di Resta, Michael Schumacher an Jenson Button complete the top ten on the grid.