Formula One news

Dominant McLaren in good shape for race

McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix from his first ever Formula 1 pole position after setting a fastest time of 1m15.707. Team-mate Fernando Alonso qualified second with 1m16.163. It is the second consecutive 1-2 qualifying of the season for the McLaren Mercedes team.

"I'm absolutely 100 per cent over the moon to claim my first ever Formula 1 pole position and at a circuit where I have never been before. I knew it was a good lap and was absolutely flat out," said Hamilton. "I almost touched the wall at the last corner but when I came over the line and was told I had pole position I was so happy. I'm really looking forward to the race tomorrow and whilst Fernando and I are not going to do anything stupid, obviously I want to stay at the front. I now need a little time for everything to sink in and have a nice and relaxing evening. The car, engine and tyres are working beautifully and the team has done such an amazing job. We are working so well together all of us and to have both cars on the front row and leading both championships is a super reward for everybody."

Alonso commented, "I'm happy to be on the front row for tomorrow's race and for Lewis to be on pole next to me. It's a great result for the team. On my last qualifying lap I was really going for it and was fastest for the first two sectors but went a little bit off the line at Turn 10 and touched the gravel. I knew immediately that I lost about three tenths of a second and then decided to back off as there was no way I could then improve my earlier time. Also this helped me to save a little bit of fuel. I think here the difference in grip levels between lining up first and second is minimal and I'm looking forward to the race tomorrow. I obviously want to win but also I'm not going to win the Championship this weekend so will be sensible."

Team boss Ron Dennis added, "A fantastic qualifying result for the team for the second time in a row and for Lewis to achieve his first ever Formula 1 pole position. Fernando was unlucky on his second qualifying lap not to have improved following two great first sectors. We are confident that we will have a strong showing in tomorrow's race but certainly will not be complacent."

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