I can hear the Brit media's screams of delight from here - Lewis Hamilton makes it to pole position in only his sixth Grand Prix. What a shame that his unquestionably brilliant performance will be soured by the exaggerated hype to follow. The plain fact is that McLaren have two excellent drivers and either of them could win the race tomorrow.
Scott Speed in the Toro Rosso
If that seems like overconfidence, it is justified; the McLarens looked unbeatable at the Montreal circuit, their drivers hurling the cars through the chicanes at impossible speeds, missing the walls by millimeters and generally giving a demonstration of utter superiority. In contrast, the expected threat from the Ferraris never materialized and they will have to look over their shoulders at the BMWs from now on - Nick Heidfeld managed to beat them both with his final timed lap. After my doubts this morning, Kimi Raikkonen came through in fine style, always looking the greater threat to the McLarens. Is it possible that he thrives on pressure and is only getting into his stride now that the Ferrari appears to have dropped off the pace a little? The man is an enigma. Of course, the truth is that Ferrari have not really lost their speed; McLaren have upped the ante and the chasing teams begun to close the gap at the same time. BMW managed to get Kubica into the top ten with Heidfeld but the others could manage only one car each, Webber for Red Bull, Rosberg for Williams and Fisichella for Renault. I suspect that Trulli's tenth spot owed more to his amazing qualifying skills than the car's ability - and Ralf needs to think of some better excuses than traffic to explain his dismal showing this season. Both Toro Rossos made it into Q2 this time, Scott Speed with a banzai last lap that was quick enough to put him twelfth on the timing sheets. Until then he had been last but the tactic of the last minute run deserted him in Q2 - Liuzzi's last lap stole 12th spot while Speed found himself at the tail of a string of cars and unable to improve on 16th. I wish he'd just get out there and put in the laps rather than rely on a final dash to the line; it would be easier on my nerves, too. The unlucky ones were Kovalainen and Wurz, unable to get beyond Q1. Alex is worth his drive for his car sorting abilities but Heikki should ponder on Piquet's hankering after a racing seat for 2008. As things are at the moment, it won't be Fizzy who will be leaving the Renault camp next year... And so to the Spykers. Their problem is that, as fast they improve, so do the rest. But they look good and, in Adrian Sutil, they have a rare talent, I think. One can only hope that they survive long enough to climb into the midfield as the season progresses.
Scott Speed in the Toro Rosso
If that seems like overconfidence, it is justified; the McLarens looked unbeatable at the Montreal circuit, their drivers hurling the cars through the chicanes at impossible speeds, missing the walls by millimeters and generally giving a demonstration of utter superiority. In contrast, the expected threat from the Ferraris never materialized and they will have to look over their shoulders at the BMWs from now on - Nick Heidfeld managed to beat them both with his final timed lap. After my doubts this morning, Kimi Raikkonen came through in fine style, always looking the greater threat to the McLarens. Is it possible that he thrives on pressure and is only getting into his stride now that the Ferrari appears to have dropped off the pace a little? The man is an enigma. Of course, the truth is that Ferrari have not really lost their speed; McLaren have upped the ante and the chasing teams begun to close the gap at the same time. BMW managed to get Kubica into the top ten with Heidfeld but the others could manage only one car each, Webber for Red Bull, Rosberg for Williams and Fisichella for Renault. I suspect that Trulli's tenth spot owed more to his amazing qualifying skills than the car's ability - and Ralf needs to think of some better excuses than traffic to explain his dismal showing this season. Both Toro Rossos made it into Q2 this time, Scott Speed with a banzai last lap that was quick enough to put him twelfth on the timing sheets. Until then he had been last but the tactic of the last minute run deserted him in Q2 - Liuzzi's last lap stole 12th spot while Speed found himself at the tail of a string of cars and unable to improve on 16th. I wish he'd just get out there and put in the laps rather than rely on a final dash to the line; it would be easier on my nerves, too. The unlucky ones were Kovalainen and Wurz, unable to get beyond Q1. Alex is worth his drive for his car sorting abilities but Heikki should ponder on Piquet's hankering after a racing seat for 2008. As things are at the moment, it won't be Fizzy who will be leaving the Renault camp next year... And so to the Spykers. Their problem is that, as fast they improve, so do the rest. But they look good and, in Adrian Sutil, they have a rare talent, I think. One can only hope that they survive long enough to climb into the midfield as the season progresses.