Pastor Maldonado surprised everybody on Saturday by planting his Williams second on the grid for the Spanish Grand Prix. After also finishing second in the morning’s practice session, the GP2 Champion of 2010 picks up Williams’ first front row start since Nico Hülkenberg seized pole position in Brazil two years ago.
“After this morning I did think this might be possible,” says the Venezuelan, who entered Formula 1 at the start of last year. “I admit that I was quite surprised by the performance, with our car being so quick when it has a lower fuel load; but we have been working very hard on understanding the tyres with this car.
“We have made a very good step forward; the car is looking consistent, especially for race pace (long runs in practice) and it’s a great feeling to be here. Qualifying was always our worse area, so we have now improved that and I am very happy for my team, my country and of course myself!”
It was a bittersweet day for the former World Champion team, as Bruno Senna spun into the Turn 12 gravel trap when trying to avoid Q1 elimination. He starts only 18th.
Post-qualifying development:
Hamilton sent to back as Maldonado takes pole
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