Ferrari's poor qualifying augurs ill for landmark race

Ferrari’s hopes of marking their landmark 900th Formula One championship race with a strong showing suffered a major setback on Saturday when they flopped in qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Four time world champion German Sebastian Vettel failed to find the speed he needed and wound up qualifying ninth for Sunday’s classic race at the majestic Ardennes circuit.

His team-mate Finn Kimi Raikkonen, who on Wednesday re-signed with the team for 2016, failed to reach the top ten shootout and was eliminated in Q2.

Asked what had happened to him, after he and Ferrari had looked stronger earlier in the session, Vettel said: "Not much... I didn't go off, so it was a normal lap.

"I was a little bit deep into the last corner, but, yeah, surprised as well that obviously it was only good enough for ninth. We just couldn't make the step from Q2 to Q3.

"It was a tight pack, so we went from being just in front to behind. That's what happened."

Once all the various penalties have been taken into consideration, Vettel is expected to start from eighth on the grid and Raikkonen from 14th.

Raikkonen was not able to clock a serious time in Q2 due to engine problems.

"I had a problem with the power unit and I had to stop," he said.

"I lost the drive, I felt I had to stop. Once they get the car back we'll see what happens."

To cap a miserable day for the scarlet scuderia, Raikkonen was given a reprimand for his driving during Saturday morning’s final free practice session when he forced Frenchman Romain Grosjean of Lotus to take evasive action.
Source: AFP