Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying – Hamilton beaten to pole by Rosberg

Rosberg takes pole in Belgium in the rain

Formula One is back from its summer break, but normal service has resumed with Mercedes taking a one-two at Spa in qualifying for the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix, but it’s Nico Rosberg on pole, beating Lewis Hamilton in to second place. The two Mercedes were in a league of their own – two seconds ahead of the best of the rest – as torrential rain made the Spa circuit teachorous.

Hamilton’s qualifying was patchy – - and a bit erratic – and he also had problems with glazed discs pulling his car to the left, but Rosberg was consistent – and quick – and deserved his pole.

Behind the Mercedes pair it was Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull in third (more than 2 seconds adrift), Alonso’s Ferrari in fourth, the Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo in fifth and Bottas in the Williams in sixth.

Behind the top six, McLaren’s Kevin Magnussen managed to take seventh, Kimi Raikkonen eighth in the second Ferrari, Felipe Massa took ninth and Jenson Button could only manage tenth place in his McLaren.

It’s yet another strong performance from Mercedes – and the gap of 2 seconds to third place Vettel must frighten the opposition – and the promise of no team orders for the Mercedes drivers should auger well for a cracking race tomorrow.

By Cars UK