Sebastian Vettel took pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix, outrunning the two McLarens. Jenson Button was second with Lewis Hamilton third, but the two were a long way off the Red Bull’s pace.Nico Rosberg was fourth ahead of the Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa’s Ferrari. Only Vettel and Button did two runs in the final session.
Sebastien Buemi ended up seventh ahead of Paul di Resta and Jaime Alguersuari, with Petrov rounding off the top 10, as he could not run in the Q3 session as his car was still out on the track.
A decidedly odd qualifying it certainly was, but while Vettel must start the race as favourite on Sunday, there are likely to be some lively battles down through the field as others make up for their poor performances in qualifying.
joeblogsf1 
So Red Bull are fastest by a long way – again. Their reliability is a little suspect – again. Their tactical calls are poor – again.
Its 2010 all over again!
The situation of Webber in Red Bull is starting to look very similar to the Alonso/McLaren relationship in 2007. Lots of technical problems in one car and almost nothing in the other.
At the end the FIA had to put a comissary in McLaren in order to prevent any more unfortunate incidents involving the Alonso`s car and it was quite succesful in that matter and Alonso got a lot more points than Hamilton in the later races.
I think that Webber should do the same and in fact is probably what he asked when he went to the FIA after the Q1.
If you asked me I think Red Bull is pushing too hard on Webber because they still need to take points on both drivers for the Constructor title. A more subtle approach would be better for them although I suppose they dont want to risk a end of season like 2010.
Joe,
I recall you being critical of Force India for dumping Liuzzi in favour of di Resta.
I know it’s still early in the season, but that is starting to look like a pretty good decision.
What do you think?
Hopefully Hamilton doing the single run in Q3 will have a better selection of tyres for the race than last weekend.
Should the FIA issue qualifying only tires, there seems to be an early season pattern of teams not running in qualifying to preserve their soft tires.
No running, no KERS and harder tyres in the final pratice and that was it !
Joe,
Has anything come to light about Vettel staying in the car so long after q3?
Button’s starts have been good and with Red Bull’s KERS problems I’m holding out for a British lead at the first corner.
Also, with the Mercedes power and the long Chinese straights I’m looking for Di Resta to put his wheels where his talent is and jump the Torro Rossos at some point.
Joe, with all the rumours surrounding Webber’s rolling contract and his age putting his seat in jeopardy what is the likelyhood of Di Resta going to Red Bull next season? It would be like Formula 3000 Euroseries in 2006!
Good to see the Lewis choose not to fight for the pole when he is outgun with his equipment and plan the fight for the win instead where it count. He is still the best racer. Shumi should give up next year what a fool and give any young guys ago over 40 should not race.
Does it strike anyone as odd that Mark Webber is having all of these technical problems with his car, yet the Mateschitz personal wunderkind, Vettel, has virtually none? Inquiring minds want to know.