Lewis Hamilton sovereign in qualifying at Sepang

His best time set this morning in Free Practice 3 was just a rehearsal ahead of qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton masterfully took pole position for the event held on the Sepang track, remaining the only driver to go under the 1'33" per lap mark.

The Briton secured his time during his first attempt in Q3, while, at the same time, Nico Rosberg was guilty of a small error which relegated him to provisional fifth position. The second attempts will do nothing, even if Rosberg will manage to secure second place (more than four tenths behind) on the front row alongside his teammate.

Behind the two Mercedes, Red Bull managed to get ahead of the Team Ferrari. Max Verstappen et Daniel Ricciardo finished separated by 47 thousandths, and were two tenths behind Nico Rosberg. The two Ferraris of Hag and Räikkönen will start on the 3rd row ahead of the Force India of Pérez and Hulkenberg. Button (McLaren) and Massa (Williams) complete the top 10.

Valtteri Bottas (Williams) will start from 11th place in front of the Haas de Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutierrez. Kevin Magnussen hoist first Renault R.S.16 in 14th position ahead of both Toro Rosso of Kvyat and Sainz, disappointments of the session.

The Saubers of Ericsson and Nasr follow in the standings ahead of Jolyon Palmer (Renault), eliminated in Q1, and the two Manors, Esteban Ocon ahead of Pascal Wehrlein. As he announced, Fernando Alonso (McLaren), heavily penalized on the grid after changes to the Power Unit Honda, sacrificed his session and will start last.

Results Qualifications