Schumacher takes historic pole

11/03/2006

A journey into the unknown now, as F1 tries out the latest incarnation of qualifying, a new format largely the brainchild of Bernie Ecclestone.

When Bernie first explained the format to Pitpass editor Chris Balfe in July 2005, it all seemed simple enough, a knock-out format which would see the fastest and most reliable start from the front of the grid. However, a number of subsequent tweaks, some made just days before the first race, mean that many are unclear as to whether or not its going to work.

Although many still hanker for the old 12-lap free for all, we have to accept that Bernie doesn't like it, and therefore it had to go. Whether this new format is the perfect solution, only time will tell, however, the fact is that we're stuck with it, at least for now.

Anyway, as the cars prepare to go out for the first 15-minute session, the air temperature is 22 degrees C, while the track temperature is 33 degrees. It is still very windy.

First out is Yuji Ide in the Super Aguri, almost a minute later he is followed by Jarno Trulli and David Coulthard. Monteiro, Liuzzi and Sato are also on track.

Ide has his moment of glory, he goes quickest with a time of, 1:40.270.

Moments later, we get the first 'sensible' time, when Liuzzi crosses the line at 1:34.439, Speed slots in right behind him (34.865). Ralf goes third, ahead of Albers, Monteiro and Klien.

Surprisingly, Barrichello can only manage third (35.548), behind the two Toro Rossos. Furthermore, most drivers only seem to be opting for one hot lap then returning to the pits.

That doesn't apply to Barrichello, who improves to second with a 1:34.615.

Raikkonen, Webber, Montoya, Massa and Rosberg leave the pits, with under seven minutes remaining. Michael Schumacher and Villeneuve are also on track.

Raikkonen goes quickest in the first sector, as Heidfeld goes quickest in the second.

However, the Finn loses it at Turn 10, bounces off the kerb and loses his right-rear wheel, an absolute disaster for the 2005 runner-up, his session is over. He slowly makes his way back to the pits. At this stage it looks like a tyre failure rather than suspension.

Meanwhile, Heidfeld goes quickest as the session is red-flagged.

Therefore, with 4.34 of this session remaining, only ten drivers have posted times, with most of the big names still not on the timesheets. Indeed, Alonso and Fisichella haven't even made an appearance.

At 14:19 the lights go green, and at the end of the pitlane it's a multi-million pound traffic jam.

Moments later, there are 18 cars on track!.

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