Hamilton takes Hungary pole

28/07/2012

Ahead of today's all important qualifying session, the air temperature is 30 degrees C, while the track temperature is 45 degrees. It remains hot and sunny with the earlier threat of rain now abating however there remains the threat of rain during tomorrow's race.

Mark Webber topped the timesheets this morning with teammate Sebastian Vettel finishing third, while Lewis Hamilton, quickest in both of yesterday's sessions was second.

The pace of the Red Bulls earlier appeared to dispel talk that the Austrian team is hurting following the FIA's closing of the engine mapping loophole, however, there is now talk of the world champions being suspected of adjusting their cars ride height between practice and the races.

That said, speaking to Sky F1, team boss Christian Horner denied the ride height allegation, claiming that the first he'd heard of it was ten minutes earlier.

While the Red Bulls have pace, as does Hamilton, Jenson Button, who finished tenth, appeared to be struggling, witness the look on the faces of his engineers when he failed to close the gap to his rivals.

Biggest disappointment this morning had to be the Mercedes duo, Michael Schumacher narrowly edging out his teammate for seventeenth. On the other hand, cool as a cucumber Fernando Alonso - who goes into the summer break leading the title race whatever happens tomorrow - appeared to have everything under control.

Kobayashi was the quicker of the two Saubers drivers, and Paul di Resta dominating in the Force India camp, however, Williams, most notably in the form of Bruno Senna, and Lotus appear the real dark horses here.

Difference between the two tyres - medium and soft - is said to be around 0.8s however, this morning it was noticeable that the McLarens and Ferrari were better with the medium compound and Red Bull the soft.

Grosjean is first out, the Frenchman eager to make up for the misery of Hockenheim. Shortly after he is followed by Ricciardo and di Resta.

"Brake balance appears to be completely wrong," says Grosjean as he posts 27.333. Moments later, Raikkonen posts 23.273 as Vergne goes second, di Resta fourth and Ricciardo fifth.

At 14:45, only the Caterhams have yet to emerge, on track Hulkenberg goes second (24.269) only to be demoted by his teammate's 23.676.

Massa locks up and runs wide at T1 as Alonso gets up close and personal with Pic. The Spaniard subsequently posts 24.173 to go fifth.

Raikkonen consolidates his top spot with a 22.689 as Massa complains about being blocked by Schumacher, the Brazilian locking up again. Lots of cars running wide at various corners, Hamilton being a good example at T4.

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