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Recap & Analysis

• Webber on the third row, can he do it?

  Qualifying in Abu Dhabi has just finished and it's dealt a blow to Mark Webber's chances of securing the championship, the best he could manage was fifth.

  The form-kid Vettel took the pole position, but it was McLaren that turned up with a bag full of surprises. Both Hamilton and Button were immediately on the pace at the Yas Marina circuit this afternoon. Lewis lines up second, Button fourth, with Fernando Alonso splitting them in third.

  Webber will start on the third row of the grid for the third time this season (6th in Bahrain, 5th in Singapore) knowing that he has to finish at least in front of Alonso - who starts directly in front of him.

  Interestingly all three (realistic) championship challengers start on the clean side of the grid, increasing the challenge of any change of position between them. Both McLarens need to get a good start not to lose out on the run into the first corner.

  So has Mark blown it?

  Not necessarily. He seems to shine in the face of adversity. Remember back to his first win in Germany last year where he picked up a drive-through penalty. And this season in Hungary where he needed to pull a 23 second gap within 20 laps in order to pit and keep the lead. As all the drivers seem at pains to point out, anything can happen.

  What do you think? Has he blown it? Who will be celebrating this time tomorrow?

  • Date: 2:50pm Sat, 13^th November 2010
  • By: Richard
  • Section: Recap & Analysis