F1: Ferrari's Leclerc to start Belgian GP in pole

Verstappen fastest but given 10-place grid penalty

By: ansa.it

Jul 27 2024
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F1: Ferrari's Leclerc to start

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix in pole position despite clocking only the second-best time in qualifying in rainy conditions at Spa on Saturday.
    Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fastest but the three-time and reigning world champion starts in 11th place because of a 10-place grid penalty for taking a new power unit.
    Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez is on the front row alongside Leclerc while Carlos Sainz will start in seventh place in the other Ferrari after clocking the eighth-fastest time.
    "It's exactly the same position as last year and it's also nice because I certainly didn't expect it," said Leclerc.
    "We managed to do something above our expectations in today's difficult conditions.
    "So despite the rain, this is a really good day for the team.
    "Now we have to focus on tomorrow and see what will happen given that, according to the forecasts, the race will take place on a dry track.
    "It is not easy to keep first place starting on pole here but I will try".
    Leclerc goes into the race, the 14th of 24 Grands Prix this year, in third place in the drivers' standings with 162 points, while Sainz is fourth with 154 and Verstappen is top with 265.
    Ferrari are third in the constructors' standings with 322 points, while McLaren are second with 338 and Red Bull lead with 389.