Formula One news
Alonso on pole, Massa injured in Hungary
25 July 2009 / Results / PhotosFernando Alonso has been confirmed as pole position winner after a highly eventful qualifying session in Hungary. In a delayed session, the former double World Champion was finally confirmed as pole winner after a bizarre timing system failure although the afternoon was marred by a heavy accident for Felipe Massa.
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| Fans enjoyed temperatures in the high 20s all day |
On a crucial weekend in the World Championship, the Brawn GP cars had been widely viewed as favourites with updates for Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello on a hotter weekend than those at Silverstone and the Nürburgring. With the BGP 001 cars kinder to their tyres, the Brackley based team resumes its championship fight with Red Bull Racing.
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| Alguersuari's first qualifying ended on the sidelines |
As track temperatures reached their hottest of the season so far in a qualifying session, Jaime Alguersuari was keen to achieve as many laps as possible as he becomes the youngest ever driver to compete in Formula One. The Spaniard, who finished ahead of both Force India drivers in final practice, eventually ended up at the back of the grid after a failure brought his Toro Rosso-Ferrari to a halt at Turn 13. Both Force India drivers were also eliminated although it was a disastrous session for BMW as Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica wound up 16th and 19th respectively.
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| Championship leader Button will start from Row 4 |
The second phase of the session saw Sébastien Buemi out of the running although the Swiss driver posted a highly impressive lap which sees him qualifying 11th quickest. Both Toyotas were also out, with Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock 12th and 14th as Nelson Piquet wound up 15th. It was a disappointing afternoon for Rubens Barrichello as the Brawn starts an ironic 13th on Sunday.
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| Felipe Massa left the circuit in the medical helicopter |
Q2 was marked, however, by a heavy crash for Felipe Massa at the 130mph Turn 4. The Brazilian was struck on the helmet, possibly in the chin, by a metal spring which is believed to have broken from the rear wing of Barrichello's Brawn. Knocked instantly unconscious, Massa straight-lined the grass on the inside of Turn 4 before, with no input on the steering wheel and no braking, slamming into the tyre barriers. Felipe was transported to the circuit medical centre by ambulance with his helmet still on before being taken to hospital by helicopter. We will bring the latest on his conditions as soon as we receive news.
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| Alonso clinches his first pole for over 22 months |
After an obvious delay to start Q3, the world was left without the knowledge of who has taken pole position as a rare timing system occurred at the Hungaroring. With each car containing its own delta system plus a backup in operation, Alonso was eventually confirmed as pole winner alongside Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull. Mark Webber will line up with World Champion Lewis Hamilton on Row 2.
Rosberg, Kovalainen, Räikkönen and championship leader Button round out the top eight. Kazuki Nakajima is ninth with the absent Felipe Massa, who had already posted a Q2 lap time, tenth but almost certainly not racing on Sunday.
The Hungarian Grand Prix will begin at 2pm local time (BST +1 / GMT +2).
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