Formula One news

Raikkonen and Massa lock out front row

Kimi Raikkonen led Felipe Massa to pole position as the Ferrari duo locked out the front row for tomorrow's French Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton set the third fastest time, but will start from 13th following his Canadian penalty. Fernando Alonso therefore moves up one place to third for the start of tomorrow's race.

Nakajima, Button, Barrichello, Fisichella and Sutil dropped out of the first qualifying session and it was a bit touch and go for BMW's Nick Heidfeld, who just made it in at the last moment, having resorted to a lap on soft tyres.

Piquet, Heidfeld, Vettel, Bourdais and Rosberg were eliminated in the second qualifying as attention turned to the pole shootout.

Lewis Hamilton had a big moment in the final part of qualifying as he clipped a curb and went flying into the run-off area, managing to regain control of the car and live for another lap. Jarno Trulli also suffered a spin as his Toyota just fell away from him, but he continued as Kimi Raikkonen set the early pace.

Raikkonen clinched pole from team mate Massa by 0.041s with Lewis Hamilton setting the third fastest time on his final lap, though he will start the Grand Prix from 13th after serving his ten place grid penalty. Fernando Alonso gave Renault plenty to smile about with third ahead of Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen.

Kubica qualified seventh as BMW struggled today, but he will start ahead of Webber, Coulthard and Timo Glock.

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