Williams F1 driver, Pastor Maldonado, proved that the team had pace in qualifying to secure a good position. The Venezuelan set the third fastest time in Q3 giving him a second row position for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps. Unfortunately, he had an issue in Q1 that will relegate him to 6th on Sunday.
Race stewards assessed a 3-place penalty for impeding Nico Hulkenberg during Q1 and this will elevate Kimi Raikkonen to third for Sunday’s race. it’s unfortunate as Williams F1 have been a real talking point for 2012. The team suffered its worst season in history in 2011 but have managed some terrific performances in 2012 with many of those from the hands of Maldonado. Pastor has also had his share of mishaps and perhaps Q1 could be counted among them.
The question keeps being asked, Williams F1 have had a resurgent year and that’s to be commended but is that pace really attributed to Maldonado? Is it a case of pressing the limit and the team will have to take the gaffs with the gains? Or would Rubens Barrichello been a better option in a much improved car? The debate continues.
