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FORMULA ONE
FORMULA ONE
Sebastian Vettel chases third straight Aussie Grand Prix
MELBOURNE, Australia
It doesn’t really bother Sebastian Vettel that he’ll be starting the Australian Grand Prix from the second row of the grid.
He won the Formula One season opener the previous two years despite starting behind Lewis Hamilton, who on Saturday extended his habit of taking pole position in Australia to a sixth successive year.
Vettel has had more luck settling into rhythm on race day Down Under, and is aiming to equal two of Michael Schumacher’s records today.
The four-time world champion is aiming for a third consecutive Australian GP title and fourth overall at Albert Park — both records held by the F1 great and fellow German.
“I am not too worried. I know we have a great car,” Vettel said. “And we’ve done it before around here.”
Ferrari drivers Vettel and Charles Leclerc appeared to be the fastest in winter testing, but have so far trailed Hamilton’s Mercedes in all three practice sessions and in qualifying in Melbourne.
NHRA
Brittany Force breaks record at Gainesville Raceway
GAINESVILLE, FLA.
Brittany Force broke the Gainesville Raceway record Saturday during the fourth Top Fuel qualifying session to become the first female driver to qualify No. 1 in the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals since Shirley Muldowney 40 years ago.
Force had a 3.680-second pass at 326.32 mph.
“I’m very proud to put a number on the board like that,” Force said.
“We want to go out and win this race tomorrow. On that last run, (David) Grubnic pulled me aside and told me it was going to be a fast one and to hang on. This place is a special place to me, and I love racing here. I can’t wait to come back and win here again.”
Robert Hight topped the Funny Car lineup, Rodger Brogdon was the fastest in Pro Stock, and Andrew Hines took the top spot in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Hight had a 3.868 at 331.12 in a Chevrolet Camaro, Brogdon ran a 6.490 at 212.43 in a Camaro, and Hines had a 6.720 at 199.94 on a Harley-Davidson.
Associated Press