DOC IS A REAL GEM
LEWIS Hamilton was zinging in the rain in a stormer of a qualifying session ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix in Austria today.
A downpour turned the tricky track into a treacherous skidpan.
But the Brit steered his improved Mercedes immaculately through the floods and fronted all three sessions in masterful style.
His closest chaser, Red Bull ace Max Verstappen, skidded off in the last lap of final qualifying to dump him into second.
Verstappen said: “That was a bit of bad luck but I’ll be back.”
It was a madcap scramble throughout, with the downpour threatening to swamp qualifying.
But Hamilton, 35, made light work of the bad weather to claim top spot and make him the red-hot favourite for today’s 190-mile race around the 2.68mile circuit.
“The car felt really great,” said Hamilton, who is targeting an 85th victory. “The boys back in the garage have done a fantastic job.
“I am chuffed we qualified in pole and I will be doubly chuffed and pleased for all the hard-working team if we get a win.”
His old foe Sebastian Vettel – now a faded force in a struggling Ferrari – just made it into the final shoot-out with a hard-earned
10th place.
The German, 33, looked a shadow of the GP giant he was with four titles and 52 wins.
Vettel is desperately seeking a drive for next season after being told he will not be retained by Ferrari.
But he will not be back at his old outfit, Red Bull. Boss Christian Horner said: “We are committed to Max and Alexander Albon.
“It is a great pairing, they are both very talented.”
THE award-winning doctor behind Super League’s return next month insists player safety will come first.
Dr Gemma Phillips said: “We have prepared as best we can and we’re happy with the work that has been done but we are reviewing the situation on a regular basis.”
Scrums will be abandoned this year and a new six-again rule introduced to reduce contact during games.
Dr Phillips’ work in planning Super League’s return has earned her the RFL President’s Award, chosen by president and former Arsenal and England footballer Tony Adams.
She said: “It was a big shock and I am so grateful but I need to recognise that many other people have been involved in all this hard work.”
JULIE STOTT