BRAKE FAILURE SEES HAMILTON CRASH OUT AT THE GERMAN GP
LEWIS HAMILTON spun off in qualifying for the German Grand Prix then d e c l a re d his Mercedes team- mate Nico Rosberg had been handed “another gift”.
Hamilton suffered a failure of the front- right brake disk during the initial session at Hockenheim.
On approach to the left- handed loop inside the stadium complex, the failure immediately pitched Hamilton into a high- speed spin across a gravel trap, with his momentum halted by a 30g shunt into a tyre barrier.
Un s u r p r i s i n g l y wi n d e d , Hamilton was at least able to radio back to his team, pointing out: “I put my foot on the pedal and something failed.”
Hamilton eventually clambered from the cockpit of his car, raising his right hand to acknowledge he was OK, before heading off to the medical centre for a routine medical inspection.
The 29- year- old will now start 15th, moving up one place from his qualifying position of 16th due to Esteban Gutierrez serving a three-place grid penalty.
To rub salt into Hamilton’s wounds, Rosberg unsurprisingly went on to claim his fourth pole
I’m in a little bit of pain, but that’s what happens
from the last five grands prix, and ninth of his F1 career.
Reflecting on his accident, Hamilton said: “I’m in a little bit of pain, but that’s what happens when you have a crash like that.
“Even if something is broken, I will still be racing on Sunday.
“Nico has now basically got another gift ( with pole position), but we will see what we can do tomorrow.”
The best Hamilton can hope for today, should Rosberg at least avoid another retirement as occurred at Silverstone, is a place on the podium.
Williams, however, appear strong, with Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa lining up second and third respectively, while the Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in fifth and sixth will be no slouches either.
Hamilton also has two McLarens and two Ferraris ahead of him, leaving him with an uphill struggle to score strong points.
For Rosberg, this result continues his great week after getting married, watching Germany win the World Cup and signing a new long-term contract.
“Things have been going really well, and to be at my home race and to get pole is fantastic,” he said.
Jenson Button could only manage 11th in his McLaren. THE BLUE BUZZER is quite an old pattern, but it still works well. The hook is a size 12 Kamasan B175 and the tying thread is brown. The tail is a pinch of blue hackle fibres and the body is natural rabbit fur, ribbed with fine pearly tinsel. The throat hackle is a pinch of blue hackle fibres.
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