Spanish GP Qualifying: Lando Norris Scores Maiden Pole of 2024 FIA WEC Season
Lando Norris secured his first pole position of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season and the second of his career, ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling qualifying session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The British driver will start the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix alongside Verstappen, and will be hoping he can stay in first position to clinch his second career win after triumphing at the Miami round earlier this year.
Q1: Double Exits for VCARB and Williams
Q1 saw double exits for the VCARB and Williams teams, with Daniel Ricciardo setting the early pace before the Red Bull drivers took over at the top. Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, and Nico Hülkenberg all impressed in the opening segment, while Alex Albon was the lone driver improving on his final run but ultimately missed out on Q2.
Q2: Constantly Changing Order
In Q2, it was a constantly changing order at the front, with Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Sergio Pérez, and the impressive Oscar Piastri all taking turns at the top. Ultimately, it was the Alpine duo of Ocon and Gasly who made it through to Q3, while Fernando Alonso narrowly missed out on the top-10 shootout.
Q3: Norris Secures Maiden Pole
The Q3 battle was a thrilling one, with Verstappen initially setting the pace. However, Norris managed to pull out an exceptional final lap to secure his second career pole position, edging out the Dutchman by just over two-tenths of a second. Hamilton will start third, ahead of his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
This result marks Norris’ first pole of the 2024 WEC season and will see him aiming to convert it into his second victory of the year on Sunday. The stage is set for an enthralling race at the Spanish Grand Prix as the championship battle continues to intensify.
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