Vettel pips Button to Istanbul pole

Qualifying for the Turkish Grand Prix saw Sebastian Vettel claim the pole position for the Red Bull Renault team ahead of the dominant Brawn Mercedes duo of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. Behind there were a few surprises such as McLaren struggling more than expected and BMW Sauber picking up the pace with the new aero package.

Monaco Team and Driver Previews

Monaco is one of the most precious and unique circuits of Formula 1 calendar. As a street circuit it’s a combination of slow and twisty corners. All teams come here with a special package and mechanical setup is very important for success since all the teams use their maximum downforce available. It will be interesting to see how 2009 cars will behave at this circuits since they don’t have last years downforce levels thanks to the new regulations.

Brawn GP comes this race as favorites as they were the fastest at Barcelona circuit’s last sector which demonstrates Monaco characteristics. RedBull is expected to have their new Double-Decker diffuser solution at this grand prix. Ferrari is eying their first podium after a successfull demonstration of their upgrades at Spain Grand Prix.

Toyota locked-out front row in Bahrain Qualifying

Jarno Truli led Toyota’s first ever front row lock-out in qualifying. He set the benchmark at Q3 with 1m33.431s and comfortably beat his team-mate Timo Glock who suffered from a mechanical failure during morning’s practice session. Vettel who was the fastest at Q2 with only one flying lap secured 3rd position for tomorrow’s race.

Button from Brawn GP was fourth fastest who admitted they are no longer ahead. He closely followed by Lewis Hamiton who is hopeful for a podium finish for tomorrow’s race thanks to their updates. Rubens Barrichello was sixth ahead of Fernando Alonso who is seventh. Felipe Massa set the eight fastest time in Q3 with a last minute attempt. Nico Rosberg was ninth and Kimi Raikkonen was 10th after and encouraging fifth position at Q2 session.