Formula One news

McLaren qualifies on first and second rows

McLaren brought its new drivers to Melbourne this week for the Australian Grand Prix. The duo, double world champion Fernando Alonso and rookie Lewis Hamilton, showed a great performance in Saturday's qualifying as their qualified themselves in second and fourth position.

Fernando Alonso was glad to have qualified himself in front row. The Spaniard will start Sunday's Australian Grand Prix from second position, one position ahead of last years grid position when he claimed victory. "A great way to start the season for the team and myself," said Alonso. "There is still a slight gap to Ferrari but the improvements that have been made since the Bahrain test are fantastic. The car feels good. We made some changes this morning and worked on the set-up to prepare for qualifying and it seems to have worked out well. I'm also pleased that Lewis is right up there with me which put us both in the best position to score points for ourselves and the team. I can't wait for the race."

In his very first Formula 1 qualifying session Lewis Hamilton qualified himself in an incredible fourth position. The Briton was over the moon with his result in Melbourne. After qualifying he commented about today's performance: "I'm overwhelmed to be on the second row for my first Grand Prix. A huge thank you to the team who have worked so hard both here at the track and back at base. This weekend is what I have been preparing myself for during the past 13 years and I'm enjoying every moment. I think we are in with a good chance in the race. Basically I want to get a good start and then work hard to score as many points for the team and myself. I'm not going to make any predictions because anything can happen but so far so good."

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