Mercedes’ driver Pascal Wehrlein took pole in a strange qualifying session in Lausitzring circuit, characterized by little running and unexpected climate. Championship leader Wittmann will start seventh as second place is taken by Ekström.
Today’s free practice were delayed due to fog, which made drivers not have contact with the track as sky was black at session start.
Q1 was cancelled as Hand’s car left the track and driver was unable to get it back to the pits, so red flag was released. After a time stewards decided to skip to Q2 with all cars – excepting Hand’s – taking part of it.
This special Q2 with 23 cars was opened with Scheider’s Audi. Most drivers exited the pits at the start of the session as experience was little due to climatology. When just 10 minutes were left, Juncadella leaded in front of Scheider and Ekström while track was getting better.
Participants were able to improve their times and Scheider passed to Q3 as leader. Drivers as Rockenfeller, Spengler or Tambay were out and will have to work hard tomorrow for the race. Only incident was Petrov’s spin without more incidence than a short yellow flag.
Q3 was started by 4 Audis – Scheider, Ekström, Molina and Green – and 3 Mercedes – Wehrlein, Juncadella and Paffett -. Only BMW in position to fight for pole was championship’s leader Marco Wittmann.
First to leave pits was Paffett although Ekström achieved the first good lap. Constant position changes took place as when 2 minutes to go Wehrlein leaded Q3 with a lap that would last as best until the end of the session. Ekström would be second as Mercedes’ driver is under investigation. Spaniard Miguel Molina is and under investigation too, in sixth position, after Juncadella. Seventh place is for Wittmann.
Tomorrow’s race is really important as BMW driver Marco Wittmann could take championship title despite things went hard for him and Ekström starting second.
