MX23RW : Wednesday, November 6 00:46:21| >> :120:51363:51363:

Max Verstappen secures pole for Bahrain Grand Prix

Verstappen secures pole for Bahrain Grand Prix
© Reuters
Defending champion Max Verstappen secures pole position for Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.

Defending champion Max Verstappen has secured pole position for Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.

During the first three practice sessions ahead of the first race of the season, Fernando Alonso stole the headlines for his surprising pace in the Aston Martin.

However, it was business as usual for Red Bull driver Verstappen as he cruised to the 21st pole position of his career.

The Dutchman finished 0.138 seconds ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez, the pair benefitting from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc ending Q3 early seemingly due to a technical issue.

Leclerc was still able to retain hold of third place, with fellow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr joining him on the second row with his last flying lap.

Despite opting against a late flying lap, Alonso was fifth fastest, while Mercedes' George Russell did enough to edge out Lewis Hamilton for sixth by just 0.044 seconds.

Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10, the latter not registering a time in Q3 due to exceeding track limits.

Newcomers Logan Sargeant, Oscar Piastri and Nyck de Vries - in the Williams, Haas and AlphaTauri respectively - qualified in 16th, 18th and 19th positions.

ID:508187:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3040:

Click here for more stories about Max Verstappen

Click here for more stories about Red Bull

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Max Verstappen wins the Mexico GP on October 30, 2022
Read Next:
Verstappen claims pole for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
>
rhs 2.0


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!