Alonso just beats my boy Hamilton to pole.
All things being equal, McLaren should own Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, after Fernando Alonso just pipped team mate Lewis Hamilton to take the teamās first pole position of the season.
Hamilton was fractionally quicker until he encountered Mark Webberās Red Bull on the approach to Portier. The Australian moved off line as they went through the tunnel, but Hamilton had lost a precious tenth or two and had to settle for the 1m 15.905s lap he had recorded earlier as he came up with 1m 15.968s.
Hereās what he had to say:
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren (2nd, 1m 15.905s):
"To start my first Formula One race in Monaco from the front row is amazing and for the team to have a one-two is just fantastic. I have really enjoyed my weekend and qualifying was no exception. It's hard to explain, but around this circuit you are just constantly on the limit.
"My last flying lap was affected by traffic in Turn 4 and I lost a lot of time, but that is just the challenge of this place. The car has been super all the way through, and I believe we have a strong strategy. I think it will be a great race, and hopefully Fernando and I can provide the team with a one-two finish."
For other drivers statements go to: www.formula1.com
Qualifying results (Q1,Q2,Q3)
1 1 Fernando Alonso McLaren-Mercedes 1:16.059 1:15.431 1:15.726
2 2 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:15.685 1:15.479 1:15.905
3 5 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:16.786 1:16.034 1:15.967
4 3 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 1:17.596 1:16.054 1:16.285
5 16 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:16.870 1:16.100 1:16.439
6 15 Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:17.816 1:16.420 1:16.784
7 9 Nick Heidfeld BMW 1:17.385 1:15.733 1:16.832
8 10 Robert Kubica BMW 1:17.584 1:15.576 1:16.955
9 8 Rubens Barrichello Honda 1:17.244 1:16.454 1:17.498
10 7 Jenson Button Honda 1:17.297 1:16.457 1:17.939
As I mentioned before Hamilton has never lost at Monaco when he was racing in GP2 & F3 canāt wait till tomorrow should be a great race.