Event of the Day: Malaysian F1 Grand Prix
Our event of the day...
is the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix. In a slightly surprising qualifying session, Lewis Hamilton claimed his ninth pole position of the season. Despite Mercedes struggling throughout the weekend, Hamilton fought off competition from Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen and will lead from the front today. This weekend could prove to be a telling one in the season as Hamilton’s closest title rival, Sebastian Vettel, will start last today after suffering engine problems. This comes after crashing out at the Singapore Grand Prix two weeks ago which allowed Hamilton to stretch his lead in the standings to 28 points. Today is going to be an intriguing day of racing with Hamilton looking to defend from pole after a less-than-perfect weekend of practice.
It remains to be seen if Vettel will be able to make a miraculous comeback starting the race in last. Throughout the years he has been able to regain some ground from the back but he has never won. Räikkönen will look to apply pressure on Hamilton - at one point the Finn was on track to take pole position before a mistake at the final corner cost him. With Red Bull’s Max Verstappen qualifying in third, the race will be wide open today and should make for an exciting watch.
Honourable mentions...
around the globe go to the NRL Grand Final between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Melbourne Storm will be strong favourites having topped the ladder by a comfortable six points, while the Cowboys ended the season in eighth - a full fourteen points behind their opposition.
In the Aviva Premiership, Wasps take on Bath at the Ricoh Arena. The Premier League sees the latest instalment of a classic fixture as Liverpool travel to St. James’ Park for their match against Newcastle. The Presidents Cup and British Masters enter their final days. In the NFL, the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints meet in London at Wembley Stadium. It’s also the UCI Europe Tour Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli in Italy. It’s the final day of the World Rowing Championships with the finals in a number of different events.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by Formula 1