Formula One news

Saturday timing problem identified

Formula One Management (FOM) has explained the problem which left the world wondering who had taken pole position at the Hungaroring on Saturday. In the dying moments of the qualifying session, all timing screens and television graphics failed to display information on the progress of the top ten shootout.

With Bernie Ecclestone's FOM world television feed directly connected to the LG timing systems at the circuit, the parities explained that a faulty finish line sensor was the cause of the unexpected drama.

'In the closing minutes of the third part of the Formula One qualifying session the finish line sensor suffered a mechanical failure in the form of a damaged cable,' an FOM statement reads.

'Standard procedures were followed and the back-up sensor used. Once the verification procedures were complete the full results were published. At no time was any timing data lost.' Fernando Alonso was eventually confirmed as pole winner from Sebastian Vettel, both of whom retired in Sunday's race.

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