Brendon Hartley gives us his thoughts on Saturday’s qualifying for the 2018 Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne…..
“It was a little frustrating today, I think one tenth would have moved us up a few places and the car definitely had it in it.
“In the last lap there were a couple of small errors and it’s frustrating to be so close to the cut off to Q2. I knew there would be huge track evolution through the run but we decided to go out first – a lot earlier than the other car – which could be considered a disadvantage but it gave us the option to maybe do two laps at the end.
“I think it was the right call, I just didn’t quite get everything out of it to get to Q2. The good thing is the car was definitely quick enough to get to Q2 today.
“This morning was really encouraging in mixed conditions and equally on the long run yesterday, so I think our strength is our long run pace.
“Once this said, this track it’s probably one of the hardest on the calendar to pass – it’s a tall order! Tyre degradation will be a big story, so maybe managing tyres and a good strategy can bring us into the game. We’re in that midfield battle, passing will be hard tomorrow and we’ll do our best…we’ll have to wait and see.”
Brendon Hartley (STR13-03, Car 28)
Third Practice Session – Best lap: 1:35.438, pos. 12th, 16 laps
Qualifying – Best lap: (Q1) 1:24.532, pos. 16th
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