Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Hamilton confident of converting Hungary pole into victory

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Lewis Hamilton secured his 47th career pole position and ninth of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The British driver will line up on pole tomorrow for the 5th time at the Hungaroring and his effort was also the 21st successive pole for Mercedes. It was a fairly straightforward qualifying session for Hamilton who topped every segment and edged out team mate Nico Rosberg in Q3 by more than half a second.

"I've generally had really good experiences here," Hamilton said. "I love the weather, love the city but I also just love the track. It feels a bit like one of the old go-kart circuits we used to race on years ago, when we had super special soft tyres, and the temperatures give us a lot of grip."

The reigning World Champion has been fastest in every session so far this weekend, building up his overwhelming chances of success on a track where he has been the only driver who has succeeded in converting pole into victory in the last ten years, and achieving it three times!

But the Mercedes driver still vowed to keep his head down, with plenty of work still to be accomplished before the lights go out tomorrow afternoon.

"All the work is never done on the Saturday and there's still a lot to do tomorrow. But in terms of how the weekend has gone so far, I'm incredibly happy. I can't remember ever having the performance I have this weekend."

Click here for a gallery of Sergio Perez's crash in FP1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.