Formula 1: Qualifying Prediction

As we gear up for qualifying, speculation has started to fly around the paddock surrounding Sauber’s driver line up and whether or not Manor-Marussia will run at all.

After free practice 2 (FP2), it was apparent that Mercedes have kept their dominant pace through winter testing with both cars finishing 0.7 seconds ahead of the rest of the field.

The Ferrari duo finished FP2 3rd and 4th with SebastianVettel leading the charge for the “Prancing Horse”. There were 4 tenths of a second separating the Ferrari pair after FP2. Ferrari were the only team to even get close to the dominant Mercedes team albeit nearly a second adrift.

Next was Valtteri Bottas for the resurgent Williams team. Valtteri was a strong driver last season and has more than enough potential to be a future world champion.

Daniil Kvyat finished 6th after FP2, after his impressive showing last year Red Bull gave him the drive for 2015 and he has proven that he has the potential to challenge for podiums or even race victories this season.

The rookie Carlos Sainz Jr was next in line with a good performance to finish 7th after FP2.

The Lotus duo are 8th and 9th with Maldonado showing his potential once more. Grosjean may be able to find the form of past seasons and the pair can fight for points on a regular basis this season.

Next is a driver that many deem overdue a race victory let alone a podium finish. Nico Hulkenberg’s potential is apparent to everyone and he is definitely one to watch this season.

Sauber had a decent showing in FP2 with Felipe Nasr taking 11th place even with the drama surrounding the Sauber team.

The other Force India driver Sergio Perez takes 12th.

McLaren had an abysmal day at FP2 with Jenson Button taking 13th.

Max Verstappen took 14th with a slow start to his rookie season, although he has the potential to succeed in Formula 1, thee are those that still believe it is too early for him to join the sport.

Marcus Ericsson got to drive the other Sauber car in FP2 but with the teams drivers in doubt it is unclear which of the 2 drivers will have the race seat if Giedo van de Garde gets to dive this season.

Bringing up the rear of the times is McLaren reserve driver Kevin Magnussen, who crashed in FP2 bringing his practice to a close early.

Daniel Ricciardo, Felipe Massa, Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi failed to set a time in FP2.

My Qualifying Prediction

Would you say this was accurate or do have your own view please let us know at danny@skemnews.com