Saturday Qualifier – Aussie GP 2006.

Local showers, uncertain weather, constantly changing wind directions & track conditions, Red flag, confusion, drama all ingredients for a thriller were present in Aussie 2006 Qualifiers. The results are as

Jenson Button claims first Honda Pole in 2006
With this podium in Aussie GP, JB has potentially first GP win. Overtaking opportunities are less on this track and last two races here Pole sitter has won the race. Can Renault or Mclaren spoil Jenson’s party by some smart work on strategy …

If Jenson Button is looking forward to make most of his qualifying results, his team-mate Barichello, is left to make most of his ruined qualifier. Thanks to one Yuji-San, who initially created red flag( marshals kept it yellow till late which screwed up other drivers) by locking his car on track (poor fellow didn’t know how to reverse his car, until his pit crew gave him directions on team radio he was struggling on track) this messed up session one for rest of the field. Well story of Yuji-San didn’t end there, after the red flag was done with, he went on track again and this time ended up ahead of Barichello, with circuit like Albert park, Barichello was all done in Session One of qualifiers.

Ferrari eliminated in Session two

Massa lost rear of his car out at Turn 9 when he lost control of his car. This caused red flag in Session two. With 5.28 minutes remaining, all cars queued up to exit pit lane ,Michael lost hose like stuff from his car. Schummacher ended 11th on grid

Renault-Vs- Mclaren

Montoya put provisional pole with 1.26 and raised the bar,both Alonso and Fisico stepped up the plate to beat that time. Montoya spun on his next lap, while Button sat on pole, Kimi was his usual self though didn’t set the track on fire on anything like he used to do in Single lap qualifiers. From look of it Mclaren were seriously trying to go for top spot on grid, Montoya even attempted to beat Button’s time on his last lap, but could manage only P5. JPM sounded pretty irritated with car spun ,while Ron Dennis put on brave face and attributed it to fuel load JPM was carrying might have been one reason. If Indeed Mclaren duo are able do go longer on track than their rivals and make use of some clean air in first stint Mclaren have a good race prospects.

Williams – Vs – BMW

BMW put on better show here. Nico lost in second sting in confusion around Massa Red flag , while Webber tried to do everything he could in final session, but judgment error in entering Turn 9 which saw him going in run off area may have hurt his bridgestones and barely any time remaining left him at P9. Heidfield and JV managed P8 and P10,but JV has engine penalty which mean he starts with 10 position below

Australian Grand Prix grid
1. BUTTON Honda
2. FISICHELLA Renault
3. ALONSO Renault
4. RAIKKONEN McLaren
5. MONTOYA McLaren
6. R.SCHUMACHER Toyota
7. WEBBER Williams
8. HEIDFELD BMW Sauber
9. TRULLI Toyota
10. M.SCHUMACHER Ferrari
11. COULTHARD Red Bull
12. LIUZZI Toro Rosso
13. KLIEN Red Bull
14. ROSBERG Williams
15. MASSA Ferrari
16. BARRICHELLO Honda
17. ALBERS Midland
18. SPEED Toro Rosso
19. VILLENEUVE BMW Sauber
20. MONTEIRO Midland
21. SATO Super Aguri
22. IDE Super Aguri


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